Sri Lanka Tri-Forces Salute: Military Personnel Donate Rs. 372 Million for Cyclone Relief

By Lions Roar News National Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (January 1, 2026) — In a profound show of national solidarity, members of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, and Air Force have collectively donated Rs. 372.7 million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund. The donation, consisting of one day’s basic salary from all ranks, is aimed at supporting the restoration of lives and infrastructure devastated by the historic Cyclone Ditwah.

The official handover took place yesterday (December 31) at the Presidential Secretariat, where the commanders of the three services presented their respective contributions to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

📊 A Breakdown of the Military Contribution

The massive donation reflects the commitment of thousands of servicemen and women who have been on the front lines of rescue operations since the cyclone struck in late 2025.

🏗️ Supporting the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Mission

The ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund was established by the Dissanayake administration to consolidate domestic and international aid following Cyclone Ditwah. The disaster, described as one of the most destructive in the nation’s history, has prompted a massive “back-to-better” recovery strategy.

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, was also present at the ceremony and praised the Tri-Forces for their “dual service”—first as rescuers on the ground and now as financial contributors to the national cause.

This military donation follows a series of other major contributions to the fund, which recently surpassed the Rs. 4 billion mark, thanks to the generosity of the private sector, overseas Sri Lankans, and friendly foreign nations.