SLAF to buy four helicopters for training

• Cabinet gives approval to President’s proposal
• Used helicopters to be procured through international competitive bids

Cabinet this week approved a proposal by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to procure four used helicopters for the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). The helicopters will be procured after calling for international competitive bids, according to Co-Cabinet spokesman Romesh Pathirana.

He said the two helicopters used for training pilots by the SLAF at present were manufactured in 1981 and the decision to procure the helicopters has been taken based on service requirements. 

“There are SLAF personnel serving with the UN peacekeeping forces in Sudan and the Central African Republic, and there is a requirement to train additional personnel to undertake such tours of duty,” Pathirana said.