Court orders separate investigations into Helicopter crash in Maduru Oya
June 25, 2025 07:54 am
Court has ordered Sri Lanka Police and the Sri Lanka Air Force to conduct separate investigations into the accident involving a Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force, which crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir in May.
Acting Dehiattakandiya Magistrate Y. Rajapaksha also instructed that the cause of the accident be reported to court.
The Acting Magistrate also directed that a report detailing the progress of the investigations be submitted to court.
A Bell 212 Helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir on 9 May.
The incident occurred during a demonstration flight conducted in parallel with the dispersal ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces camp in Maduru Oya.
As a result of the crash, six members of the armed forces passed away while six other personnel sustained injuries.
Taking into consideration the submission made to court by the Officer-in-Charge of the Dehiattakandiya Police, Acting Magistrate Y. Rajapaksha visited and inspected the accident site near the Maduru Oya Reservoir.
Police informed court that investigations are being carried out separately by the Air Force under the supervision of the Air Force Commander and by police under the supervision of the Inspector General of Police.
Considering these statements, Acting Magistrate Y. Rajapaksha ordered police and the Air Force to carry out separate investigations into the accident and to report the cause to court.
He also further instructed police to submit a report on the progress of the investigations being conducted regarding the air crash.
