SLAF heli-lifts relief aid

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

The operations which began on January 11 from SLAF China Bay, airlifted 5,200 kilograms of dry rations including dhal, sugar, rice, milk powder in an Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopter bound for Somawathiya area in the Polonnaruwa District.

This was followed by another consignment of 9,700 kilograms of essential goods by an Mi-17 from SLAF Base Hingurakgoda to the same area. Both consignments were dropped at Somawathi Devi Vidyalaya school grounds. Meanwhile, a consignment of wheat flour weighing 2,800 kilograms was also airlifted to Somawathiya last morning from Hingurakgoda on an Mi-17 helicopter.

Civilians affected by flash floods are housed at temporary shelter in several adjacent areas including Somawathiya.