RAF heroes return, boost for tourist travel

The British war veterans of the 160th Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF) have praised the present trouble free atmosphere in Sri Lanka and said that they would encourage their countrymen in the United Kingdom to visit Sri Lanka and enjoy their holidays.

The British war veterans were in Colombo last week, to travel to the places where they served in the RAF during world war-2, in Sri Lanka.

The group comprised of nine war heroes, who served in Sri Lanka during the 2nd World War period as part of the squadron flying Liberator B24 bombers.

The touring party also included family members of the group who were engaged in the island.Having arrived a week ago, the Royal Air Force veterans made it a point to visit the Air Force bases in Sigiriya, Hingurakgoda and Ratmalana where the operations were carried out during their hey days.

Apart from that the group also visited Military cemeteries at Trincomalee, Kandy and Colombo to honour fellow colleagues who sacrificed their lives during the battle period.

The squadron lost 105 air and ground crew and were awarded more than 60 bravery awards.

Members who were part of the last tour to Sri Lanka in 2005, felt more eased this time around. In fact, some of the crew who stayed back in 2005 owing to security reasons used this opportunity to witness the new peaceful conditions in Sri Lanka.

The Ministry of Defence and Sri Lanka Air Force had made all arrangements to make sure of a clear passage for all visits of the heroes from the Royal Air Force.

Speaking at a Press Conference last week at Mount Lavinia Hotel, the veterans shared some of their unforgettable experiences over half a century ago. Barely able to speak, still they showed great enthusiasm in sharing those unforgettable scenes.

They recalled their life in Sri Lanka during the 2nd World War. Without electricity, running water and other basic needs plotting war strategies in scorching heat was a very difficult task. One of the senior members of the team reminded how they had to struggle in Minneriya with the mosquito menace in dense forest.

Group captain, Janaka Nanayakkara said that the RAF heroes had visited the Air Force Headquarters in Colombo and were delighted to share their memories with the Ex Air Force Servicemen's Association.

The veterans were travelling under a scheme called "Heroes Return" which sponsored many such visits to commemorate the 65th anniversary marking the end of the war in the Far East. The heroes were full of praise for the Sri Lankan people and their kind nature.

They also thanked Aitken Spence Travels Group who arranged all the touring facilities to the group during the stay.

The war heroes said they would canvass for all people in the UK to visit this beautiful island and added "we are enthusiastic about showing our full support in the efforts you are making to build up the tourist trade".