Peradeniya: The Sri Lanka Navy has successfully concluded specialized diving and technical operations to clear vital infrastructure obstructed by severe flooding from Cyclone Ditwah, while continuing extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations across the island.

According to Ministry of Defence, adverse weather from the cyclone caused a significant rise in the Mahaweli River, sweeping large quantities of debris, including logs and tree remains, into key bridges. This obstruction posed a dual threat, impeding orderly water drainage and risking further damage to critical infrastructure.

In response to a request for assistance, a special Navy diving team deployed on 04 December to the Kalupalama Bridge (Devil’s Bridge) in Peradeniya. Debris, including large logs and bamboo thickets, had severely blocked the bridge’s waterway. After about two weeks of continuous, concerted effort alongside the Sri Lanka Railways Department, Navy divers and personnel cleared all obstructions by 17 De
cember. This restoration of unimpeded drainage will allow the Railways Department to proceed with necessary future repairs and maintenance without delay.

Similarly, the Kalugamuwa Bridge over the Mahaweli River in Nillamba became clogged with debris, creating an immediate risk to the main water pipeline supplying the National Water Supply and Drainage Board’s treatment plant from Gatambe. Accordingly, a dedicated Navy diving and technical operation was launched, culminating in the removal of blockages by 14 December. This swift action eliminated the threat to the water supply infrastructure for the area.

Concurrently, the Sri Lanka Navy’s broader post disaster recovery efforts initiated on 22 November, to aid communities affected by the cyclone, remain ongoing. To date, naval personnel have safely rescued 1,378 individuals in immediate danger and have relocated 18,301 persons to safer locations, providing necessary relief.

Further supporting the restoration of public life, the Navy has undertaken other pos
t disaster recovery efforts. As of 18 December, these efforts have resulted in the cleaning and handing over of 1,025 drinking water wells, 104 public places, and 83 houses. These operations are continuing across affected regions.