The deployment of three Mi-17 helicopters from the SLAF fleet along with 104 personnel consisting pilots, engineers and other supporting staff will proceed in the next few days, the SLAF said.

Wing Commander Vishwa Samantha will be the Contingent Commander in South Sudan.

The first element which comprises 2 Officers,10 Airmen and the three MI 17 aircraft was transported by AN 124 aircraft on 06 Jun 15. The Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke checked the initial loading process taking place at SLAF Base Katunayake on Friday.

This helicopter deployment will be tasked to carry out VIP transportation, transportation of food and equipment, domestic flying, para dropping and medical evacuation in the South Sudan, in support of the overall UN mandate for that nation.

The Sri Lanka Air Force was selected for the mission through a competitive evaluation process by the UN.

"The professionalism of its pilots, the technical expertise and know-how of its engineering elements along with the discipline of its entire force was considered at this evaluation process," the SLAF said in a statement on its website.

"This achievement of the SLAF speaks volumes of the trust and confidence commanded by the entire military forces of Sri Lanka and would go a long way in boosting the Nation's image further in the international arena. Besides, this endeavor would bring substantial economic gains to the country as well."