A simulated air craft crash and rescue drill was conducted at SLAF Base Anuradhapura yesterday (20 December 2022) under the guidance of the Base Commander, Group Captain WWNTP Fernando in view of maintaining the responsiveness and readiness among the Air Force personal being the leading aviation community in the country.

The exercise was commenced simulating a situation of one MI–17 helicopter crash landing on the bank of ‘Nuwara Wewa’ and emergency response teams were alerted for the rescue by the Air Traffic Controlling tower of the Base. The emergency response teams acted swiftly displaying the professionalism and were able to manage the situation within a short period of time.

The simulated exercise was executed successfully with the engagement of all relevant stakeholders and a comprehensive debriefing was also conducted by the Base Commander to highlight the significance of such drills. Commanding Officer of No 6 Helicopter Squadron, Group Captain JS Samarasekara acted as the overall coordinator of the exercise.