News
SLAF trainee pilot killed in plane crash

Wreckage of PT 6 trainer (pic courtesy Air Force)
Air Force trainee officer cadet K.R.S.V.B. Amarakoon was killed yesterday (15) when his Chinese training aircraft crashed at Kantale during a solo training flight.
The SLAF issued the following statement on the crash: A PT-6 trainer aircraft belonging to the No. 1 Flying Training Wing at SLAF Academy, China Bay crashed Tuesday near the Janaranjana Tank in Sooriyapura, Kantale. The site is approximately 14 nautical miles away from SLAF Academy China Bay and the pilot of the aircraft was a trainee Officer Cadet who was on a solo training mission. The aircraft which took off from the China Bay airfield at around 1305 Hrs today had lost radio communication with the air traffic control tower at China Bay at approximately 1315 Hrs before being reported to have crashed. There was no damage to public property or any other persons due to the crash.
Further, on the instructions of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana a Board of Investigation has been appointed to carry out an investigation into the incident.
Officer Cadet Amarakoon who was the trainee pilot on this training flight was airlifted to the District General Hospital Trincomalee by an SLAF Bell 212 helicopter by medical and rescue personnel of the SLAF, where it was proclaimed that he had succumbed to injuries sustained during the crash.
Officer Cadet Amarakoon was a past pupil of Kegalle Maha Vidyalaya and had joined the Sri Lanka Air Force in January 2019. He had commenced his flying training in July of the same year.”
News
“Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” continues in the vicinity of the President’s office

The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
News
French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ sets sail from Colombo

The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital

Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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