Two SLAF squadrons bestowed with President’s Colours
March 05, 2021- Primary responsibility of Armed Forces is to ensure the national security
Two flying squadrons of the Sri Lanka Air force (SLAF) were bestowed with the President’s Colours in appreciation of the yeoman service rendered to the nation, by His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during an impressive ceremonial parade held at the SLAF Base Katunayake today (Mar 5).
Accordingly, number 05 Fighter Squadron and the number 06 Helicopter Squadron received the President’s Colours.
The SLAF Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana warmly received the President Rajapaksa on his arrival at the Katunayake SLAF Base.
The Defence Ministry Secretary and the National Security and Disaster Management State Ministry Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) was also present at the ceremony.
President during his speech stated that the primary responsibility of Armed Forces including the Air Force is to ensure national security.
The President highlighting the national security as a feature of utmost importance for the development of the country said “Air Force in particular, will have a significant role to play not just within the territory of Sri Lanka but also in safeguarding our extended economic zone and contributing to the maintenance of a free and peaceful Indian Ocean, another crucial aspect of Sri Lanka’s well-being”.
The President Rajapaksa treasured the presence of representatives of several friendly foreign Air Forces and said, “Their presence is a testament to the friendly ties between our nations and it reaffirms the importance of sustaining and strengthening these bonds”.
He also paid tribute to the members of the SLAF who made tremendous sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, in ensuring the peace.
The President arrived at the number 02 heavy transport squadron and the number 05 fighter jet squadron. He also visited the IAF aircrafts during the session.
A book authored by Air Commodore Channa Dissanayake titled “70 years of Air Power of Sri Lanka Air Force” was presented to the President to signify the anniversary.
The event which is considered the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any armed force was coincided with the 70th year anniversary celebration of the SLAF.
The SLAF has so far been bestowed with 13 Presidential Colours along with today's award.
Western Province Governor Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne and Air Chiefs, Distinguished Invitees and delegates from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the US Pacific Air Forces with their family members were also present at the ceremony.
