UAE Sends Trucks, Boats, and Specialists to Sri Lanka In Two Additional Flights

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United Arab Emirates has reinforced its humanitarian commitment to Sri Lanka with the arrival of two more consecutive disaster relief flights, delivering critical equipment and highly trained personnel to support rescue and recovery operations amid severe floods and landslides.

The third flight, an IL-76TD cargo aircraft, operated by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Force, landed in Colombo carrying trucks, jeeps, vans, and high-speed rescue boats. These assets, deployed by the UAE Urban Search and Rescue Team, will enable rapid evacuations, transport of essential supplies, and life-saving missions in areas where access remains severely restricted.

Shortly after, the fourth flight, a C-17 cargo aircraft, touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport in the early hours of December 3, 2025.

Onboard were 53 specialists from the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Force, trained for advanced search and rescue operations, including locating survivors trapped under debris.

The aircraft also carried trained rescue dogs, air-conditioned vehicles, and specialized equipment essential for emergency response.

The arrival of these flights was marked by an official reception attended by UAE Ambassador Khalid Nasser Al Ameri, senior officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the Tri-Forces, underscoring the depth of bilateral cooperation during this crisis.