The Navy has already launched several programmes to strengthen the coordinated efforts of the government to prevent the spread of new coronavirus. As an extension of these programmes, this disinfection programme was carried out following the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, in response to a request made by the Department of Railways.

The sterilization programme was conducted by the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) unit of the Northern Naval Command. This sterilization programme was implemented to ensure the safety of railway passengers, especially when the public transport service is gradually returning to normalcy.

Further, this disinfection programme, in which thorough sterilization of entire railway station and train compartments was carried out following the standard health guidelines, was conducted under close supervision of Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweera.