IAF Two MI - 17 V5 Helicopters Depart Sri Lanka After Completing Humanitarian Operations 

The first MI-17 V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF), deployed to support Sri Lanka’s disaster relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwa, departed the island on 06 December 2025. The second MI-17 V5 concluded its mission and returned to India this morning (08 December 2025), marking the completion of the IAF’s air support operations conducted in close coordination with the SLAF.

During their deployment, the IAF MI-17 V5 helicopters carried out vital humanitarian airlift missions, including the transport of essential relief supplies, evacuation of affected civilians and aerial support to rescue and relief operations in heavily impacted regions. Their contribution significantly enhanced Sri Lanka’s national disaster response during a period of urgent need.

Cited www.defence.lk

China Donates Humanitarian Aid to Strengthen Sri Lanka’s Disaster Relief Efforts 

A humanitarian aid consignment from the Government of the People’s Republic of China was formally handed over to Sri Lanka today (08 December) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), providing timely support for ongoing relief and recovery operations following recent adverse weather conditions that affected several regions of the country. His Excellency Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, officially handed over the consignment during a ceremonial event held at the airport.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilake; Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd); Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema (Retd), Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL); and Major General (Retd) Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong reaffirmed the strong and longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and China, highlighting the enduring cooperation and support shared between the two nations. He reiterated China’s commitment to assisting Sri Lanka during times of national need.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), conveyed gratitude on behalf of the President and the Government of Sri Lanka for the timely humanitarian assistance. He acknowledged China’s continued solidarity and noted that the support would significantly contribute to national disaster relief efforts.

Senior officials representing the Chinese Embassy, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Disaster Management Centre, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force, Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka, and Bandaranaike International Airport were present for the handover.

Cited www.defence.lk

Myanmar Air Force (MAF) Y-8 Aircraft Arrives in Sri Lanka with Humanitarian Relief

A consignment of humanitarian relief items from the Government of Myanmar arrived in Sri Lanka today (06 December 2025). The shipment was transported by a Myanmar Air Force (MAF) Y-8 aircraft carrying essential natural disaster relief supplies to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwa.

The relief consignment was officially handed over to the Sri Lankan authorities at SLAF Base Katunayake. The Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Marlar Than Htaik, presented the items to the Sri Lankan Government representative. 

A five-member delegation representing the Government of Myanmar, including the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Zaw Phyo Win, SLAF representative Director General Planning, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva and other Sri Lankan government officials, attended the event.

 Indian NDRF Members Depart after Completing Operation ‘Sagar Bandhu’ in Sri Lanka

Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) members departed Sri Lanka, after successfully completing their mission under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’.

During their deployment, NDRF teams carried out extensive rescue and relief operations across cyclone-affected regions in coordination with the Sri Lankan military, reaching deep-flooded pockets, delivering essential supplies and assisting residents in severely inundated areas. They effectively completed their first response duties, providing critical support at a time of urgent need.

Before their departure, the Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Commodore Amitha Jayamaha, together with SLAF officers, extended profound appreciation to the NDRF members for the invaluable support rendered to Sri Lanka during this disaster relief effort.

 Secretary of Defense visited to the Disaster Management Centre today. 

Secretary of Defense, Air Vice Marshal Sampath ThuyaKontha (Retd), conducted an inspection visit to the Disaster Management Centre today(07). The Director General of the Disaster Management Center, Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd), together with senior officials, was in attendance during the visit.

The Secretary of Defense given directives on strengthening the mechanisms for delivering relief to those affected by the ongoing disaster situation and emphasized the importance of efficient inter-agency coordination to ensure the rapid restoration and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure facilities

Two US C-130 Aircraft Arrive at BIA with Technical Expertise for Post-Disaster Relief Operation - December 07, 2025

Two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft of the United States Air Force arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today (07 December), bringing a specialized team of technical experts and essential equipment to bolster Sri Lanka's ongoing post-disaster relief and recovery operations.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, HE Julie Chung, Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku and Director General of Disaster Management Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd), were present were present at the BIA to receive the US contingent.

The visiting US team, comprising technical specialists, will work in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) to expedite the distribution of aid, provide specialized assistance for infrastructure assessment, and reinforce national recovery efforts following the recent adverse weather conditions.

Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), thanked the US Government for the swift response, and stated, "This deployment of advanced technical expertise and equipment is a profound demonstration of friendship and partnership, significantly enhancing our national capacity to reach and restore our affected communities.

The deployment of the C-130 aircraft is a critical component of the wider US government assistance package aimed at supporting the nation's comprehensive 'Rebuild Sri Lanka' initiative. 

Senior officials from the US Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and the Sri Lanka Air Force were also present welcoming ceremony.

Cited www.defence.lk

Lanka Ashok Leyland Donates Vehicles to Support “Rebuild Sri Lanka” Initiative - December 06, 2025

www.defence.lk

 

Japan hands over emergency relief supplies to support cyclone “Ditwah” affected families in Sri Lanka -04th December 2025 – Colombo, Sri Lanka

A consignment of emergency relief goods donated by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was officially handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka today at the Cargo Village, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), to support communities severely affected by Cyclone “Ditwah”.

he handover agreement was formally signed between the Government of Japan and the Government of Sri Lanka, represented through the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The ceremony was attended by H.E. Ambassador Isomata Akio (Embassy of Japan), Hon. Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara (Deputy Minister of Defence, Sri Lanka), Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd.), Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Sri Lanka and Mr. Kenji Kuronuma (Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka Office).

The relief shipment includes tents, blankets, sleeping pads, plastic sheets, portable jerry cans and water purifiers, amounting to an estimated USD 200,000. These supplies will be immediately allocated to displaced families and communities affected by widespread flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone “Ditwah”.

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