The official handover of ten TH-57 Sea Ranger multi-purpose helicopters donated by the government of the United States 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 yesterday afternoon (23), the President was accorded a ceremonial welcome with Air Force honours, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
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 the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, and the Commander of the United States Pacific Air Forces, General Kevin Schneider.
Owing to the versatile capabilities of the TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters, it is expected that they will be deployed for a range of operational purposes across several sectors in the future, the PMD noted.
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 utilised for the training of aircrew for United Nations peacekeeping operations, thereby further strengthening Sri Lanka’s contribution to global peace efforts.
The helicopters were transported to Sri Lanka from the United States through a specialised 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, the PMD added.
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd); the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, 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 Defence Official and Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House, as well as several other senior officials.
