2000 SLAF Mi-17 crash

On 16 September 2000, a Mil Mi-17 transport helicopter operated by the Sri [Lanka Air Force] crashed on the Urakanda mountain range near Aranayaka, in the Kegalle District, after departing Bambalapitiya Police Grounds. The helicopter was carrying Minister of [Shipping, Ports and Rehabilitation (Sri Lanka)|Minister of Shipping, Ports and Rehabilitation] M. H. M. Ashraff and 14 others. Everyone on board was killed.

Aircraft and crew

The Russian-built Mil Mi-17 helicopter was operated by the No. [4 Squadron SLAF|No. 4 (VVIP/VIP) Helicopter Squadron] at SLAF Ratmalana.
Squadron Leader Shiran Perera was the pilot in command.