Sri Lanka, Pakistan discuss : Aerial support for quake hit Pakistan
 

by Ananth Palakidnar

Sri Lankan and Pakistani Governments are having talks in exploring ways and means of providing aerial support of the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) to areas devastated by the recent earthquake in Pakistan.

Air Force spokesperson Ajantha Silva told the Daily News Sri Lankan Defence and Foreign Ministries were in touch with the Pakistani Government over requirements in regions hit by the quake.

"The Pakistani Government needs helicopters to ferry relief items to earthquake hit areas. The disaster terrain remain unfriendly with mountains and valleys. Transporting relief items via land routes to disaster regions is an impossible task. Through aerial transportation, supplies could be made to devastated areas," Silva said.

He said the SLAF could provide two MI-17 helicopters and if necessary Bell choppers. MI-17 helicopters are generally utilised to transport men and material to difficult terrains.

"The SLAF also have to look into parking facilities, fuelling and maintenance of its aircraft once they are sent to Pakistan," the spokesperson added.

The Hercules C-130 cargo aircraft of the SLAF landed in Islamabad carrying 18 tonnes of relief assistance comprising food, medicine, blankets and other essential items provided by the Sri Lankan Government to Pakistan. Sri Lankan envoy in Pakistan General Srilal Weerasooriya handed over the Sri Lankan relief items to officials in Islamabad.

Pakistan was among the first to provide support to tsunami relief activities to Sri Lanka.