An Mi 171 helicopter of SLAF Helitours launched its five (5) day operation of airlifting of 20 tons of material to Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) this morning (2nd January 2014) from Nallatanniya. Due to the difficulty of transporting these items up the mountain, the SLAF's commercial arm 'Helitours' was contracted to airlift a Brass Bell, a Dolosmahe Pahana  (eternal flame oil lamp) and other construction materials from Lakshapana Estate Sports ground, Nallathaniya to the Uda Maluwa on Adam's Peak through an under slung Operation. After a recce of the mountain top, the crew of the aircraft completed 2 sorties transporting a total of 2.2 tons to the Udamaluwa before the mist came down and prevented further flying.

Commanding Officer No. 6 Squadron Wing Commander Kalinga Maheepala leads the Operation with an able team of 42 personnel of the Sri Lanka Air Force.The Under Slung Operation which is expected to last until 5th January 2014 is a Helitours chartered operation which is being funded entirely by philanthropist Mr. Thusith Wijesena, chairman and CEO of Kandy City Centre.