Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) says the US built Bell 412 helicopter had made an emergency landing at Arugam Bay due to a sudden loss of fuel detected by the pilots this afternoon, July 1. Later, it was found that the helicopter had been hit with few gunshots. Air Force suspects that the helicopter had been fired upon while it was on its way to Ampara to Arugam Bay.

Also, MCNS said that the helicopter had been deployed for logistic movements in connection with the opening ceremony of newly constructed Arugam Bay Bridge. It had been returning to Arugam Bay after being refuelled at Ampara, MCNS further said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today declared open the new Arugam Bay Bridge which was reconstructed with the US aid.