Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday commnended Sqd. leader Kalinga Mahipala and Flt. Lt. Sumudu Dahanayake,for the excellent manner in which they made an emergency landing of the aircraft he travelled in,on Monday.

Wickremesinghe in a written communication to the Air Force Commander Air Marshal Roshan Goonetilleke, said that the excellent handling of the helicopter after it developed engine trouble and made a forced landing at the Mahiyangana Police Grounds was "especially praiseworthy."

"Please pass on my gratitude to the two officers",he added.