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 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 (VVIP/VIP) Helicopter Squadron at SLAF Ratmalana.
Squadron Leader Shiran Perera was the pilot in command.