The relief and rescue contingent, comprised of Sri Lanka’s Army, Navy, Air Force and Civil sector consultants, now engaged in post-earthquake humanitarian services in Nepal has treated many injured earthquake victims, cleared debris and rubble and succeeded in re-opening three major roads, the Ministry of Defence said today (6).

Using excavators, motor graders, backhoes and other equipment, a group of 23 contingent members of the Sri Lanka Engineers cleared the blocked road patch from Sipaghat to Phimpar area, despite poor weather and visibility, the Ministry said in a statement. 

“The clearance of the road patch enabled passage of traffic between major cities for most essential supplies.

Another road patch of 3 km in Dolalghart was cleared by the Engineers in the contingent, thereby connecting the road to other roads in the suburbs with the participation of more than 12 contingent members of the Sri Lanka Engineers and others.

The Sri Lankan contingent, commanded by Major General Maithri Dias since its arrival in Nepal, has treated more than 2000 victims, either giving them first-aid and medical assistance or referring them to the contingent-managed Dressing Rooms where mini surgeries were also carried out on the victims, considering the gravity of the wounds sustained.

Following initiatives of President Maithripala Sirisena, dispatch of tri-service relief contingents, was organized in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” The statement said.

The first contingent left Sri Lanka in less than a day after the tragedy struck, to be among the first three foreign relief teams to arrive in Nepal.