July 01, Ampara: The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) says an unknown party fired upon an Air Force helicopter while it was flying across the Ampara area this afternoon.

According to sources, the US-built Bell 414 helicopter made an emergency landing at Arugam Bay due to a sudden loss of fuel detected by the pilots. Later, it was found that the helicopter had been hit with a few gunshots. The Air Force suspects that the helicopter had been fired upon while it was on its way from Ampara to Arugam Bay.

The MCNS said the helicopter had been deployed for logistic movements in connection with the opening ceremony for the newly constructed Arugam Bay Bridge. It had been returning to Arugam Bay after being refueled at Ampara.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today declared open the new Arugam Bay Bridge, which was reconstructed with aid from the United States.