On 16 September 2000, a Mil Mi-17 transport helicopter operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force crashed on Urakanda mountain range in the Aranayaka area in Kegalle District,[3] after departing Bambalapitiya Police Grounds.

The helicopter was carrying Minister of Shipping, Ports and Rehabilitation M. H. M. Ashraff and 14 others.

[4] The Russian-built Mil Mi-17 helicopter was operated by the No.

4 (VVIP/VIP) Helicopter Squadron at SLAF Ratmalana.

[2] Squadron Leader Shiran Perera was the pilot in command.