“When Storms Ravage and Waters Rise, Sri Lanka’s Tri-Forces Stand Unshaken in Their Vigil”

As relentless weather continues to sweep across the island, Sri Lanka’s Tri-Forces have stepped forward as the nation’s steadfast defenders, working through danger, darkness, and rising waters to reach those cut off, stranded, or uprooted by the surging floods. With unwavering discipline, they have moved into high-risk zones, taken charge of rescue corridors, and held their ground so that no community is left behind.

The Army: On the Ground, Shoulder to Shoulder with the People

The Sri Lanka Army has mounted one of its largest emergency response operations in recent years, deploying over 20,500 troops across flood-hit regions. Under this vast and coordinated effort, 195 temporary shelters have been established, offering immediate refuge to thousands in distress.

So far, **5,624 families—14,666 individuals—**have been guided to safety. Army teams continue to wade through submerged terrain, navigate landslide-prone foothills, and carry out land-based rescues with unbroken resolve.

A central Operations Room functions around the clock, ensuring senior officers remain in constant communication with Security Force Headquarters. Rescue missions employ boats, Unibuffels, WMZ vehicles, and specialized equipment to evacuate families marooned in the Central and Uva provinces. Life-saving operations remain active in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Badulla, where water levels and soil instability continue to pose grave risks.

The Air Force: Speed from the Skies, Precision in Crisis

The Sri Lanka Air Force remains on 24-hour rapid-response footing, with helicopters and crews positioned at pivotal bases. A total of 141 teams stand ready, while 31 teams are already deployed across the island.

Aircraft from Anuradhapura, Palaly, Palavi, Weerawila, Ratmalana, and Hingurakgoda have been placed on immediate-alert status, ensuring rescue flights can lift off within minutes. Airmen have carried out extractions in remote areas, transported essential supplies to cut-off villages, and conducted aerial surveillance to assess shifting flood patterns.

In Mahadivulwewa, trapped communities were airlifted to safety, while teams in Diyatalawa are actively directing at-risk families toward secure locations. The view from above guides ground teams, narrowing response times and saving lives.

The Navy: Cutting Through Currents, Clearing the Way

The Sri Lanka Navy has been in continuous operation since 22 November, mobilizing relief teams across the Southern, Eastern, Northwestern, and North Central provinces. Through swift and coordinated action, naval personnel have rescued 911 individuals, including schoolchildren, elders, and vulnerable families.

Working closely with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Navy teams have cleared fallen trees, removed debris carried by strong winds, and delivered essential supplies to households isolated by rising waters. Small craft navigate narrow floodways to reach locations inaccessible by land.

Additional naval teams remain on high alert across all commands, prepared to surge forward the moment new risks emerge.

A Nation Tested — and Its Defenders Unshaken

In a moment when nature bears down with unforgiving force, Sri Lanka’s Tri-Forces stand resolute: disciplined in action, precise in coordination, and tireless in their commitment to safeguard every life.

Amid storms, surging waters, and shifting terrain, they remain unshaken in their vigil—a living testament to service, sacrifice, and national duty.