COLOMBO, June 9 (UNI): A Sri Lankan Air Force Mig-27 crashed today while on a routine training sortie after the engine of the plane developed some problem, a defence spokesman said.
However, the pilot who ejected, was safe.
He said the pilot of the ill-fated Mig-27, while flying in a formation with other planes, informed the control room about an unusual vibration in the engine.
"While he was returning to the airforce base, the vibrations increased and the pilot ejected diverting the plane to the Negombo lagoon.
The pilot has been rescued without any injuries." He said a committee has been set up by Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Donald Perera to probe the incident.
Sri Lanka has lost many fighter jets due technical problems in the recent past.
Another air force official, on condition of anonymity, said that the engine of the jet would be sent to Russia to weed out technical problems, if any.
Britain urges political parties to join Deuba government KATHMANDU, June 9 (UNI): Britain has asked all political parties in Nepal to work for the formation of a National Government to present a United Front against the Maoists violence in the country.
Congratulating Sher Bahadur Deuba for being appointed as the Prime Minister, the British government requested him to involve other political parties to end the political impasse.
In his message to the new Prime Minister, the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw praised Deuba's determination to resume peace process with the Maoists.
"The UK and the International Community as a whole stands ready to support the effort to reach a lasting peaceful resolution to a conflict from which the Nepalese people have suffered for too long," the message said.
British Ambassador to Nepal Keith Bloomfield had met the Nepalese PM on Tuesday.