Sri Lankan Aviators Pull Off Heroic Rescue Under Fire in Africa

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Aviation Unit operating under the United Nations mandate in the Central African Republic (CAR) executed a high-risk Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) mission on December 15, 2025, saving two injured UN personnel from a volatile combat zone.

The urgent call came from Zemio, a region gripped by instability, where two UN staff members had sustained combat-related injuries.

Within moments, the Sri Lankan team sprang into action, deploying a Mi-17 helicopter (UNO 325P) for the life-saving operation. Commanding the mission was Wing Commander Nelson De Silva, supported by Flight Lieutenant Arunoda Ekanayake as Co-Pilot.

The aircrew included Squadron Leader Sandeepa Wijayathunga, Sergeant Senevirathne WCN, and Corporal Rodrigo DVPM.

Onboard was an elite Aeromedical Evacuation Team led by Group Captain Sujith Perera, assisted by Flight Sergeants Sumedha KW and Karunadasa RDH, who delivered critical care mid-flight.

The extraction site, located 20 kilometers northeast of the Zemio Permanent Operating Base, posed formidable challenges: blinding dust, an unstable tactical environment, and the looming threat of hostile fire. Despite these hazards, the crew executed a precision landing and completed the evacuation flawlessly.

A meticulous threat assessment by the Captain, combined with seamless coordination and unwavering resolve, ensured mission success.

The entire operation lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes, culminating in the safe transfer of the casualties to Bangui for advanced medical treatment.