The Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment Special Forces (RSF) together with troops from the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF) conducted a raid on identified illegal cannabis cultivation site within the Kumana Forest Reserve on 05th and 06th January 2022.

This mission carried out on the instructions of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) and under the supervision of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana with the coordination of the Commandant of the STF.

Raided site was identified from aerial surveillance made by the MA-60 Aircraft of No 08 Light Transport Squadron. Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force troops continuously monitored the development of this covert mission being in the dense jungle. SLAF MI-17 Helicopter was tasked in classical air transport role to reach to the identified sites being the only possible mean of access.

The cannabis plants grown in this site amounted approximately six tons and total amount was air lifted in six (6) sorties during this operation. This unorthodox employment of air power capabilities showcased the operational effectiveness of SLAF even in peace time.