C-130 Hercules Lands in SLAF Base Katunayaka
6:20pm on Tuesday 28th April 2015
The SLAF C 130 aircraft that proceeded to
Nepal with emergency rescue assistance on Sunday, departed Kathmandu
this morning (27 Apr 15) and landed SLAF Base Katunayaka at
1345 hrs.
42 Sri Lankans who were stranded in Nepal due to the earth quake returned home on board the flight.
The first component of the emergency rescue and relief contingent from Sri Lanka, left Bandaranaike International Airport on the instructions of the Commander of the Air Force as directed by the President, on board an SLAF C-130 for the earthquake-stricken Nepal on 26 Apr 15 to assist ongoing rescue and relief operations in the densely-populated Kathmandu valley, devastated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake which has reportedly claimed more than 3000 lives.
This is the first time in its history, that an SLAF Aircraft has been utilized for a rescue mission in a foreign country. The prompt response on the part of the SLAF and the consummate skill with which the aircrew, led by the Captain of the Aircraft Sqn Ldr VGP Mahanama and Co-pilot Wg Cmdr DKM Krishantha landed the aircraft at Katmandu under dangerous and trying conditions, ensured that Sri Lanka was able to be among the first three countries to arrive in Nepal to provide assistance.
The passengers were treated to a hot lunch by the Air Force on landing, while they awaited the completion of their immigration formalities. Members of the media were also present to speak to them about the experience.
42 Sri Lankans who were stranded in Nepal due to the earth quake returned home on board the flight.
The first component of the emergency rescue and relief contingent from Sri Lanka, left Bandaranaike International Airport on the instructions of the Commander of the Air Force as directed by the President, on board an SLAF C-130 for the earthquake-stricken Nepal on 26 Apr 15 to assist ongoing rescue and relief operations in the densely-populated Kathmandu valley, devastated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake which has reportedly claimed more than 3000 lives.
This is the first time in its history, that an SLAF Aircraft has been utilized for a rescue mission in a foreign country. The prompt response on the part of the SLAF and the consummate skill with which the aircrew, led by the Captain of the Aircraft Sqn Ldr VGP Mahanama and Co-pilot Wg Cmdr DKM Krishantha landed the aircraft at Katmandu under dangerous and trying conditions, ensured that Sri Lanka was able to be among the first three countries to arrive in Nepal to provide assistance.
The passengers were treated to a hot lunch by the Air Force on landing, while they awaited the completion of their immigration formalities. Members of the media were also present to speak to them about the experience.
