President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid his final respect to the late Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, who died while engaging in providing relief to disaster-affected communities. 

Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya died in the helicopter crash that occurred in Lunuwila, Wennappuwa, recently. 

The President visited the residence in Ratmalana today, where the remains of Group Captain Siyambalapitiya have been placed, and paid his final respects. 

He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the pilot’s wife, parents, brothers and sisters, as well as the rest of the family. 

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, were also present on this occasion. (Newswire)

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Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, the commanding pilot of the Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter, which met with an accident during emergency relief efforts in Lunuwila, has been posthumously promoted.

According to the Sri Lanka Air Force, in recognition of his distinguished service, he was posthumously promoted from the rank of Wing Commander to Group Captain, effective 30 November 2025.

His remains are scheduled to be placed at his residence in Lunuwila today, and will be taken to his residence in Ratmalana this evening (02 Dec).

The late Nirmal Siyambalapitiya’s final rites will be conducted with full Air Force honours on December 04. (Newswire)

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