15,000 strong Army for emergency relief, Army spokesman

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May 23,  Sri Lanka Army spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe said that 15,000 personnel are on alert to be mobilized swiftly in natural disasters and other urgent needs.
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he Army spokesman said that this special force is distributed all over the island in all districts. They are ordered by the Army headquarters to move on the request of the District Secretaries in coordination with the National Center for Disaster Management, the Army spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka received less rain today although the Meteorology Department predicted rains to continue in the coming weeks since the southwestern monsoon is gathering momentum.
National Center for Disaster Management Assistant Director Priyantha Kodippili warned the public to be careful when bathing in the rivers swollen due to heavy showers.
Overseer Meteorological Scientist Gayana Hendavitharana said that the sea, especially in the western, southwestern and southern areas of the island, would be rough with wind and thunder showers. Fishermen have been warned of rough weather.
Meanwhile the National Center for Disaster Management said the relief work continued to assist over half million people affected by the rains.