Sri Lanka Air Force continued their mission to provide relief aid to victims of flash flood in the Eastern Province by airlifting consignments of dry rations using Mi-17 helicopters.

The operations which began on 11 January, 2011 from SLAF China Bay, airlifted 5200 kilograms worth of dry rations including dhal, sugar, rice, milk powder in a Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopter bound for Somawathiya area in the Polonnaruwa District.

This was followed by another consignment carrying 9,700 kilograms of essential goods sent by a Mi-17 from SLAF Base Hingurakgoda to the same location. Both consignments were dropped at the school grounds of Somawathi Devi Vidyalaya.

Meanwhile a consignment of wheat flour weighing 2,800 kilograms was airlifted to Somawathiya this morning from Hingurakgoda on a Mi-17 helicopter.

Civilians affected by the flash floods are receiving temporary shelter in several adjacent areas including Somawathiya.

Operations to airlift aid were halted owing to bad weather prevalent in the area. Several more stocks are ready to be sent to civilians affected by the flash floods, which will recommence once the weather is favourable.