It has the singular honour of carrying the national colours, the symbol of pride of our nation, at the head of all ceremonial parades.  The Bell 212, decked up in its jungle camouflage livery, has been a consistent presence at national events, reassuring the nation that its guardians in the sky are ever present, ever watchful. 

At the inception of Sri Lanka’s bitter conflict, it served as a gunship, an ambulance and as an armed escort to other aircraft vulnerable to attack.  They have been actively involved in every significant military operation that the SLAF has been part of.  It continues to be the workhorse of the Sri Lanka Air Force, in the combat role as well as its traditional role as a medium utility helicopter, at the forefront at times of national disaster, helping rescue those stranded, dropping cooling water on raging fires that threaten our existence and our livelihood.  

SUH 565, one of the Bell 212’s of No 7 Helicopter Squadron, made history recently, when on 15th July, the Commanding Officer of No 7 Squadron, Group Captain VB Edirisinghe, passed the 10,000 Flying Hours Milestone.  
This is the first helicopter in the SLAF Fleet, to achieve this milestone.  
Manufactured in October 1982, the helicopter joined the SLAF fleet as a brand new helicopter with only 6 Flying hours.
 
Today, with Sri Lanka Enjoying the fruits of peace, SUH 565 and the Bell 212 fleet continue to serve and earn its high regard.