Interim report on the Haputale plane crash to be submitted within 3 days

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Commander of the Air Force has informed the committee appointed to investigate the crash of the aircraft in Icepeella, Haputale to submit an interim report within three days. When inquired by News 1st, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias said that the committee has been given 2 weeks to submit their final report. The 6 member Committee is headed by Air Vice Marshall Prasanna Payo. Commander of the SLAF said that the committee is conducting extensive investigations into this crash. He further stated that upon receiving the final report from the committee it will be decided if a further special investigation needs to be carried out. A Y-12 aircraft belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force, crashed in Ice-Pilla, Haputale on the 3rd this month, claiming the lives of four members of the Sri Lanka Air Force. The final rites of Squadron Leader Buddhi Weerabedda who was the pilot of the plane was carried out at the Wegiriya Gampola public cemetery today. Deceased Flight Lieutenant Lankapura Kulatunga who was the co-pilot of the craft was engaged and due to be married in March. He was the youngest sibling in his family. The remains of Leading Aircraft Craftsman Hettiarachchi who also lost his life in the crash was placed at his residence in Tellijiwala, Murutawela in Matara. 30-year-old Leading Aircraft Craftsman Hettiarachchi was the youngest sibling in his family. His final rites will be conducted tomorrow. The remains of 37-year-old Sargent D.W. Kumara was placed at his residence in Rabarwatta, Tissamaharama. D.W Kumara was a father, of a 6-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter. He joined the Air Force in 2005 and at the time of his death served as a Sergeant in the Air Force.