Secretary attends Air Force Passing Out ceremony
January 12, 2019Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. Hemasiri Fernando was the Chief Guest of the Air Force Passing Out ceremony held at the Air Force Academy, China Bay in Trincomalee, on Friday (11 January). The Secretary was received by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy upon his arrival at the venue.
The colourful ceremony saw 31 Cadet Officers, including 27 Cadet Officers of the 58th Cadet Intake and 04 Cadet Officers of the 10th Lady Cadet Intake receive their Commission upon the completion of training along with No 167th Regular Airmen Recruit Course, No 37th Regular Airwomen Recruit Course, No 130th Volunteer Airmen Recruit Course, No 13th Volunteer Airwomen Recruit Course, and No 35th Direct Entry Airmen and Airwomen Recruit Course, enter the national service. 06 Pilot Officers of No 58th Intake of Officer Cadets also received their Flying Brevets from the Chief Guest on this occasion.
Speaking at the ceremony Secretary Fernando praised the services of the Tri Forces and said that they are second to none in the world. He reminded the Officers and other personnel passing out that they are joining the ranks of a service that had rendered an invaluable service to the nation.
Further speaking he said, that we have defeated terrorism from the shores of the country and have ushered in an era of peace and development built of reconciliation and trust. He requested those passing out to put the country before themselves and to serve with commitment and discipline to protect the territorial integrity of the country. He also expressed his gratitude to the parents of the newly passing out Air Force personnel for providing their children to the national service.
The Secretary presented awards to outstanding Officers and Recruits for their performance during training. Accordingly, the Sword of Honour and the Air Chief Marshal PH Mendis Trophy for the Best All Round Officer Cadet was awarded to Pilot Officer SADT Senanayake while the Group Captain NR Raheem Memorial Trophy for the Best All Round Lady Officer Cadet went to Pilot Officer MTA De Silva. Awards were presented to officers, Airman and Air Women who had excelled at different disciplines during their training.
The Commissioning Ceremony was followed by an aerobatic display of PT6 Aircraft, flown by Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) of the No.1 Flying Training Wing. This was followed by a band and drill display by SLAF Colour Wing, unarmed combat display, Parachute Display, and a mock attack display.
Religious dignitaries, senior Air Force officers, members of the diplomatic corps, state officials, parents and family members of the officers and Airmen/Airwomen passing out were also present at the occasion.
