Helicopters from US handed Over to Air Force
Ten Helicopters Donated by the US Officially Handed Over to Sri Lanka Air Force
The official handover of ten TH-57 Sea Ranger multi-purpose helicopters donated by the Government of the US to enhance the Sri Lanka Air Force’s pilot training capacity and expand its air operations took place at the Ratmalana Air Force Base under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Upon his arrival at the Ratmalana Air Force Base, the President was accorded a ceremonial welcome with Air Force honors.
The President subsequently inspected the helicopters and also joined the personnel for a group photograph.
A bilateral agreement was also signed on the occasion by Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, and Commander of the US Pacific Air Forces, General Kevin Schneider.
Owing to the versatile capabilities of the TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters, they are expected to be deployed for a range of operational purposes across several sectors in the future.
The TH-57 fleet will provide significant support for disaster relief operations, search-and-rescue missions, and emergency public service activities.
In addition, the helicopters will be used to train aircrew for United Nations peacekeeping operations, thereby further strengthening Sri Lanka’s contribution to global peace efforts.
The helicopters were transported from the US to Sri Lanka via a specialized cargo operation and arrived on June 1.
They were subsequently assembled by the Air Engineering Wing at the Ratmalana Air Force Base. Following the completion of all technical inspections and test flights required to ensure compatibility with Sri Lanka’s airspace and climatic conditions, the aircraft will be deployed for official operations.
Deputy Minister of Defense, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd); Secretary to the Ministry of Defense, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd); and Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilake were among those present at the event.
Also in attendance were members of the Air Force Board of Management, other Air Force personnel, and a delegation representing the United States Embassy, including Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy Jayne Howell, Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House, as well as several other senior officials.