Flood Relief Operation for Cyclone Ditwah
Following severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah, humanitarian relief operations were mobilized to support affected communities across Sri Lanka. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka, the national authority responsible for disaster response coordination, organized and dispatched relief consignments to ensure timely assistance to impacted regions. These efforts required close coordination among civil authorities, military forces, and aviation service providers to ensure seamless logistical support under time-critical conditions.
Flood Relief Distribution in Coordination with United States Air Force
1. Flood Relief Cargo Reception and Distribution
All humanitarian relief consignments were received at Air Force Base Katunayake, which functioned as the central distribution hub for the air transport operation. From this strategic location, relief cargo was distributed to flood-affected areas through coordinated airlift operations conducted jointly by the Sri Lanka Air Force and the United States Air Force.
The combined operational capabilities of both forces enabled efficient transportation of essential supplies, including emergency relief items and humanitarian aid, to regions where access was restricted due to flooding and infrastructure damage. This joint operation demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and military–civil coordination during large-scale disaster response operations.
2. Ground Operations Support and Stakeholder Collaboration
As the preferred ground support services provider in Sri Lanka, Care Aviation supported the United States Air Force crew throughout their operation in the country. Our team facilitated Immigration and Customs clearance procedures, ensuring full compliance with local regulatory requirements while minimizing operational delays.
Care Aviation also coordinated comprehensive ground support services in close collaboration with key aviation stakeholders, including Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd (AASL), Sri Lankan Airlines, and the Sri Lanka Air Force. Through effective communication and coordination, ground handling arrangements at Air Force Base Katunayake were provided efficiently, supporting smooth aircraft turnaround and continuous cargo handling.
Humanitarian aviation operations involve multiple agencies working simultaneously under demanding timelines. Care Aviation acted as the key coordination link between the United States Air Force crew and local authorities, ensuring mutual understanding among all stakeholders.
This collaborative approach contributed to efficient aircraft turnaround times and seamless cargo handling processes, enabling relief supplies to move efficiently from aircraft arrival to onward distribution. The operation highlighted the essential role of coordinated ground support in ensuring the success of humanitarian air missions.
Humanitarian Reliefs Through International Private Donor Parties
In a separate humanitarian aid operation, Care Aviation provided ground support services for a Boeing 747 aircraft that delivered humanitarian aid to communities in Sri Lanka affected by the natural disaster. Acting as the ground handling agent, our team ensured the quick unloading of humanitarian cargo immediately upon arrival.
The relief consignments were promptly processed through customs clearance procedures in close coordination with Sri Lanka Customs and the Disaster Management Centre of Sri Lanka. Upon completion of the clearance process, the humanitarian aid was formally handed over to the DMC for onward distribution to affected communities.
To ensure operational efficiency, we coordinated closely with Sri Lankan Airlines for the expedited unloading process, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for timely refuelling services, and Sri Lankan Catering for the provision of food and beverages for the aircraft crew. This integrated ground handling coordination effort ensured minimal ground time and uninterrupted continuation of the humanitarian mission.
Ground Support Coordination as a Humanitarian Responsibility
Beyond operational implementation, these missions underscored the broader responsibility of aviation service providers during national emergencies. At Care Aviation, we believe that aviation infrastructure and expertise should support not only commercial operations but also humanitarian and disaster-response efforts.
Our involvement in flood relief and humanitarian operations reflects our commitment to social responsibility and our mission to provide reliable, and efficient ground support services for critical and non-scheduled aircraft movements during times of crisis.
Commitment to Future Operations
Care Aviation expresses its sincere appreciation to the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Centre of Sri Lanka, the United States Armed Forces, the Sri Lanka Air Force, and all donor parties for their close coordination and support throughout the Cyclone Ditwah relief response.
We also acknowledge the continued cooperation of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd and Sri Lankan Airlines, whose prompt services and collaborative approach were instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of these operations.
The successful delivery of humanitarian aid was made possible through strong partnerships, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to supporting communities in need. Care Aviation remains prepared to support future humanitarian and disaster-response missions, contributing our ground support coordination expertise to ensure timely assistance reaches those affected during moments of national and regional crisis.
