A United States Air Force C-130 aircraft and Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters, deployed for humanitarian operations in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditva, departed the island today (December 14, 2025), concluding their relief missions.
In the aftermath of the cyclone, Sri Lanka received significant assistance from friendly nations to support air operations, rescue efforts and relief services. From December 7 to December 13, 2025, a 60-member US Air Force relief team arrived in the country aboard two C-130J aircraft. The aircraft carried out extensive humanitarian operations, airlifting essential supplies from the Katunayake and Ratmalana Air Force Bases to affected areas including Jaffna, Mattala, Ampara and Anuradhapura. One of the C-130J aircraft departed the island today along with the relief team after completing its mission.
Meanwhile, Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters played a key role in humanitarian assistance, transporting essential relief supplies, evacuating affected civilians and conducting rescue and relief operations in severely impacted areas. Two MI-17 helicopters initially arrived for the mission, with an additional helicopter joining operations on December 8, 2025. The helicopters concluded their duties and departed Sri Lanka today.
The air support extended during this disaster was instrumental in helping restore the lives of affected communities. To mark the conclusion of the missions, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera, along with senior Air Force officers, met with the American and Indian air crews to express the Sri Lanka Air Force’s gratitude for their dedicated service, close cooperation and valuable assistance, and to formally bid farewell to the relief teams.
