A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Bell 412 helicopter was deployed today (08 Aug) to assist in containing a forest fire in the Raththanagolla–Imbulpe area of Balangoda, in a coordinated operation led by the Ministry of Defence.
The helicopter conducted Bambi bucket operations to help suppress the fire from the air, working in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) to prevent further spread and protect forest cover, the Defence Ministry said.
The intervention highlights the Ministry’s commitment to rapid disaster response and environmental protection. Authorities confirmed that firefighting efforts will continue as needed in collaboration with local officials and emergency services.
