SLAF awaits UN response

18 June 2011 12:54 am Views - 3978

Confirming reports that Sri Lanka had offered its combat helicopters and fixed-wing air craft for United Nations peacekeeping operations, the Sri Lanka air force said yesterday it was awaiting aresponse from the UN.

“We expressed our willingness to send some of the combat helicopters and fixed-wing air craft for peacekeeping operations and are awaiting a response,” Air Force spokesman Andy Wijesuriya said.

“If we able to do so it could be additional income for the country and also will help us keep these air craft operational,” Group Captain Wijesuriya said.

He said the SLAF had offered to send Ukraine-made Mi-24 helicopter gunship and also Chinese made Y-12 fixed-wing aricraft. “This will be a good opportunity for our experienced pilots as well,” he said. (SJ)