US Extends Airlift and Logistics Support

The US has extended significant humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka to support nationwide relief efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused severe damage across multiple regions.

The latest round of assistance included the deployment of two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, equipment, and US Air Force personnel. The US contingent will provide vital transportation and logistics support in areas identified by the Disaster Management Centre.

A formal handover took place at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with the support officially received on behalf of the Sri Lankan government by Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, and Deputy Minister of Defence Maj. Gen. Aruna Jayasekara (Rtd).

The US presented the assistance through Her Excellency Julie Chung, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Lt. Col. Van Pinxteren of the United States Air Force.

As part of the support package, the US contingent will provide logistics capacities needed to transport humanitarian supplies to affected communities in the Northern, Eastern, and Central regions.

Sri Lankan officials expressed their gratitude for the timely support, which will bolster ongoing national efforts to reach displaced families and restore essential services in cyclone-affected areas.