Sri Lanka, Dec. 2 -- The last rites of the pilot who died in a helicopter crash in Lunuwila, Wennappuwa on Sunday (Nov. 30) will be performed with full Air Force honours on December 4.

Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) stated that his body will be laid to rest at his residence in Lunuwila today (02).

Wing Commander Nirmala Siyambalapitiya, who served as the Captain Pilot of a Bell 212 helicopter of the SLAF, died when it crashed while attempting to make an emergency landing in Lunuwila.

In appreciation of his services, he was posthumously promoted from the rank of Wing Commander to the rank of Group Captain with effect from November 30.

Siyambalapitiya had been engaged in the distribution of food supplies for individ...