Two C-130 aircraft of the United States Air Force arrived in Sri Lanka today (07 December 2025) to augment ongoing air operations supporting national efforts to restore normalcy in communities affected by Cyclone Ditwa. The aircraft brought in specialized personnel and capabilities aimed at strengthening humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities conducted across the affected regions.

The deployment includes teams from the 374th Airlift Wing, the 36th Contingency Response Group, and the III Marine Expeditionary Force, who will work in close coordination with Sri Lanka Air Force units to enhance airlift, logistics and rapid response operations.

Upon arrival at SLAF Base Katunayake, the contingent was received by the Ambassador of the United States of America to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Julie Chung, and the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). Representing the Sri Lanka Air Force, Director General Planning, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva, along with other relevant stakeholders, were also present at the occasion.