Tri-forces deployed for relief and rescue operations

The Tri-Forces have been placed on full alert and put into operation to carry out relief and rescue operations to assist those affected by heavy rains, floods and landslides.

The Defence Ministry said the Tri-Forces personnel are on 24-hour readiness to respond to emergencies and have already implemented disaster relief measures in almost every district.

The Sri Lankan Army has launched a large-scale disaster response operation, deploying 20,500 troops across the island. Under this extensive effort, 195 temporary shelters have been established, and the Army continues to provide food and water to displaced communities.

So far, 5,624 families, comprising 14,666 individuals, have been accommodated in these safe locations.

In addition, the Army is carrying out land-based rescue operations.

A dedicated Operations Room has been established, and senior military officers have been assigned to coordinate and update information with all Security Force Headquarters.

Army troops are conducting rescue operations using boats, Unibuffels and specialised vehicles including WMZ vehicles to evacuate communities trapped by floods in the low-lying areas of the Central and Uva provinces.

Life-saving operations are ongoing in the Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Badulla districts.

The Sri Lanka Air Force is on alert for rapid response operations in areas severely affected by floods and landslides, with helicopters and aircrews positioned at key bases.

A total of 141 teams are on standby, and 31 Air Force teams are currently deployed in operations.

Aircraft have been prepared for immediate rescue missions at the Anuradhapura, Palaly, Palavi, Weerawila, Ratmalana, and Hingurakgoda air bases, ensuring swift response, particularly in high-risk areas. The Air Force has also conducted rescue and essential supply distribution operations in the Mahadivulwewa area and launched missions to assist people trapped by floodwaters.

Additionally, teams deployed in the Diyatalawa area have taken steps to direct affected individuals to safe locations.

The Ministry said the Sri Lanka Navy has been operating at full capacity since 22 November, continuously providing essential disaster relief services to affected communities in the Southern, Eastern, Northwestern, and North Central provinces.

Through swift and coordinated action, Navy relief teams have successfully evacuated 911 people whose lives were endangered by rising waters and have ensured that all affected individuals, including schoolchildren, were moved to safe locations.

Navy teams are conducting disaster relief operations in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Beyond rescue missions, naval personnel are removing trees felled by strong winds and transporting essential supplies to isolated families using small boats.

The Sri Lanka Navy has placed additional relief teams on standby across all naval commands, ready for immediate deployment in case of any emergency.