SLAF Helicopters for Disaster Relief Operations Over Thabbowa
3:59pm on Tuesday 17th May 2016
SLAF Mi 17 / Bell 212 / Bell 412 Helicopters and rescue teams are ready for rescue operations at SLAF Base Anuradhapura, SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, SLAF Base Ratmalana and SLAF Station Palaly. In addition, SLAF Fire fighters, Regimental Special Force personnel and rescue teams comprises of Officers and Airmen are standby at all SLAF establishments for rescue and relief operations. A MI 17 Helicopter took off from SLAF Station Palavi around 1300 hrs with a rescue team operated over Thabbowa area in Puttalam on a Disaster Relief Operation.
Helicopter landed at SLAF Station Palavi after their first mission.
8 trapped flood victims have been rescued for safer locations.
The crew comprised of Flight Lieutenant MNRS Gunawardane (Captain), Squadron Leader WA Mapatuna (Co Pilot), Warrant Officer Wijerathne( Air Gunner), F/Sgt Pushpakumara (Flight Engineer), F/Sgt Rajapaksha(RSF), Sgt Darmasiri (Load Master) , Sgt Bandara(RSF), Cpl Karunaratne (RSF), Cpl Sandaruwan(RSF), LAC Kularathne(RSF), LAC Edirisinghe(RSF), LAC Wanigasooriya(RSF),LAC Kumara (RSF) and LAC Jayasundara (Photographer) were on board in this rescue mission conducted by the No. 6 Helicopter Squadron at SLAF Base Anuradhapura. Base Commander SLAF Base Anurdhapura Group Captain Bandhu Edirisinghe, Acting Commanding Officer No 6 Helicopter Squadron, Wing Commander Senaka Kulathunge and Commanding Officer SLAF Station Palavi Wing Commander Roshan Gunawardana coordinated this rescue operation.
SEE VIDEO
