29 May 2017 08:27 am Views - 29947
SLAF Spokesman Group Captain Gihan Senaviratne said no casualties were reported in the accident. He said all crew members on board the helicopter were safe.
The Mi-17 had lost control when descending to distribute goods to a flood affected village in Baddegama.
Meanwhile, President Maithripala Sirisena spoke to the pilot of the helicopter and appreciated his brave efforts, the Government Information Department said.
The SLAF deployed seven Mi-17 helicopters, three Bell 212 helicopters and one Bell 412 helicopter for rescue operations since Friday. (Darshana Sanjeewa)
Video by Anuradha Priyadarshana