According to the directives conveyed by Ministry of Defence, the SLAF successfully accomplished the underslung operation of placing the Finial at the pinnacle of Sandahiru Seya at Anuradhapura yesterday (24 October 2021) auspiciously with the use of a Bell 412 helicopter. This meritorious mission was successfully completed under the guidance of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana and after conducting many rehearsals which commenced since 16 October 21 onwards, until the mission proper which took place yesterday. Yesterdays mission is the first of more missions which will be carried out by SLAF helicopters to complete the placing of all portions of the Finial at the pinnacle of the Sandahiru Seya.

The Director Air Operation, Air Vice Marshal Kapila Wanigasooriya visited Anuradhapura yesterday to overlook the operation. Further, the Commander of the Security Forces (Wanni), Major General CD Ranasinghe also attended to witness the operation. This mission was undertaken by No 04 Helicopter Squadron at SLAF Base Ratmalana and the helicopter used for the mission was captained by the Commanding Officer of No 04 Squadron, Group Captain Asela Kuruwita.