He expressed these views at a press conference held today (29) at the Media Centre.

 

 

He said that due to requests from civil authorities tri-forces personnel are engaged in these relief activities and if there are any other welfare centres that require the services of tri-forces personnel it could be arranged.

 

 

"Although the water levels of the areas that were inundated had gone down, people cannot be resettled in those houses.  It is expected to engage soldiers in the rebuilding process with a view to re-establish the normalcy in the regions.  Also, soldiers have been tasked for various activities such as to do research work and to obtain information".

 

 

" For relief activities the Tri Forces have deployed 07 battalions for 147 welfare camps in the east, 06 battalions for 86 welfare camps in the Wanni , 02 battalions for 13 welfare camps in Kilinochchi and army troops for 105 and 58 camps in the central and western regions respectively.  Each battalion concists of 500-800 soldiers."

 

 

In addition to the above, 300 navy boats with 29 teams from the Navy and Airforce are being kept ready to assist in the relief activities, Brigadier Wanigasooriya added. (KH)