The Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team of the Sri Lankan armed forces deployed to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake which ravaged the country, returned home on Saturday (26) after the successful completion of their mission, the Sri Lanka Army said.

Welcoming the returning service personnel, Sri Lanka Army Headquarters Director General of the Directorate of Research Concept and Doctrine Major General Nazeer Majeed extended warm wishes and complimented the returning contingent. 

The contingent was led by Brigadier Punya Karunathilake. 

Senior officers representing the Ministry of Defence, Disaster Management Centre and the armed forces also joined in welcoming the team.

Sri Lanka dispatched the specialised team to aid the neighbouring nation, which has deep historical ties to Sri Lanka, after Myanmar was struck by the earthquake. The mission was coordinated under the close supervision of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.) and carried out with the active facilitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Sri Lankan team was deployed to Naypyitaw Province, located nearly 450 kilometers from Yangon. There, they initiated critical disaster relief efforts, particularly in Pobba Thiri Township, an area deeply affected by the quake.

“Working side by side with local authorities, the team swiftly established mobile medical clinics and conducted rapid situational assessments to identify urgent health needs among the displaced population. These medical missions focused on treating injuries, preventing disease outbreaks and supporting vulnerable groups, including women and children residing in temporary shelters such as the Ministry of Commerce complex, Lat Lok Toun Pagoda and Mashikhana Monastery,” the Army said.