US and Indian Air Force Aircraft Depart Sri Lanka
Following Humanitarian Mission
December 15, 2025
The special air operations, rescue missions, and disaster relief activities carried out in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah received significant contributions from several countries. As part of these efforts, two United States Air Force C-130J aircraft, along with a relief team of 60 Marines, arrived in the country between 7 and 13 December to support disaster relief operations.
These cargo aircraft conducted specialised humanitarian missions to assist the affected population by carrying out essential cargo transportation flights from Air Force bases at Katunayake and Ratmalana to Air Force camps in Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, and Ampara. One of the aircraft, having successfully completed its assigned operations, departed the island yesterday (14 December), returning with a portion of the relief team.
Furthermore, from the moment the cyclone first impacted Sri Lanka, the Government of India intervened promptly by deploying two Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 helicopters to provide essential relief assistance. These helicopters operated continuously for several days, conducting a wide range of humanitarian air missions, including special rescue and relief operations, evacuating distressed civilians from high-risk and affected areas, and transporting essential supplies and goods before departing the island.
Subsequently, another IAF Mi-17 helicopter arrived in the country on 8 December to ensure the continuation of these missions. After successfully completing a series of additional specialised operations, this aircraft also departed for India yesterday (14 December).
The exceptional contributions provided by Sri Lanka’s friendly nations through these air operations during this natural disaster played a vital role in restoring the livelihoods of those affected. The Ministry of Defence expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Governments of the United States and India, as well as to all crew members involved, for their continuous cooperation and distinguished service throughout this special disaster relief campaign.
Marking the departure of the US and Indian Air Force aircraft, a delegation of senior Sri Lanka Air Force officers, including the Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanweera, were present to convey their appreciation to the relief teams.
