Air Force puts helicopters and troops on stand-by for Search and Rescue Operations

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Air Force on Sunday (23) said it is prepared to carry out search and rescue operations as well as relief efforts in the coming days due to inclement weather.

Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe, the Sri Lanka Air Force Spokesperson in a statement said Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana had instructed to position SLAF personnel and helicopters at the request of the Disaster Management Center to assist in relief efforts.

Accordingly, a Beach Craft 200 plane from the No 3 Maritime Squadron have been positioned at China Bay and Ratmalana Air Force installations.

In addition 01 Bell 212 Helicopter and 02 Bell 412 Helicopters have been positioned at the Ratmalana Air Force base for search and rescue operations.

Further, 03 Bell 212 Helicopters were positioned at the Hingurakgoda Air Force Base while 02 Bell 212 Helicopter was positioned at the Palaly Air Force Base.

02 MI-17 Helicopters have been placed at the Anurahdapura Air Force Base along with specially trained Regiment Special Force personnel of the Sri Lanka Air Force.