A helicopter rescue exercise was successfully conducted today (18 June 2026) at Peanut Farm Beach in Panama area with the objective of strengthening security and safety arrangements for both domestic and international tourists.

The exercise was carried out under the supervision of the the Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias, Director General Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal Vajira Senadheera. It was conducted under the close coordination of the Commanding Officer SLAF Regimental Training Centre Ampara, Group Captain Prabath Alexander. 

The Regiment Special Force crew, No. 7 Helicopter Squadron and No. 8 Light Transport Squadron participated in the exercise. The simulation depicted a hostage rescue scenario involving the evacuation and recovery of foreign nationals from the Peanut Farm sea area by a helicopter.