The 11th Sri Lanka Aviation Unit deployed under the United Nations MINUSCA conducted a CASEVAC operation on 21 February 2026 during its deployment, demonstrating operational readiness and commitment to mission responsibilities.

The mission involved evacuating a MORBAT soldier who had been critically affected by malaria. The casualty was airlifted safely to Bria Level 2 Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

The operation was carried out using a Mi-17 helicopter (SMH 581 / UNO 325P), captained by the Contingent Commander, Group Captain Asiri Pathirage, with Wing Commander Wikum Mapatuna as Co-Pilot. The crew included Flight Sergeant Hettiarachchi TS as Flight Engineer and Sergeant Niroshitha MDG as Load Master.

The Air Medical Evacuation Team (AMET), comprising Flight Lieutenant Yadeesha Rathnasiri, Warrant Officer DM Sumathipala and Flight Sergeant Ruwan Kumara KPD, provided in-flight medical care to ensure the patient’s stability during transfer. The three-hour mission was successfully completed under operational conditions in line with MINUSCA procedures.