SLAF celebrates six decades of glory

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

All events lined up for the Sri Lanka Air Force's (SLAF) diamond jubilee will be launched this month and continue till early March. "This year is poised to be eventful for the Sri Lanka Air Force when it celebrates six decades of glory and dedicated services," said Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke. The Sri Lanka Air Force will celebrate its 60th anniversary on March 2. "Within three and a half years, the Air Force gave its fullest support to end terrorism in the country, by assisting the Army and Navy as well as providing relief for civilians. We worked as a team for this cause," Air Chief Marshal Goonetileke said.

According to the Sri Lanka Air Force, the celebrations will include a carnival and exhibition which will be held from March 2 - 8 at the Air Force Base, Ratmalana.

Live air displays by local and foreign Air Force personnel will be held. International teams have also been invited for this mega event and are expected to confirm their participation shortly.

The line up of events includes an exhibition of rare aircraft, vehicles and weaponry.

The Air Force launched the prelude to its diamond jubilee by unveiling the official logo for the celebrations. The specially designed logo was displayed by the Air Force chief on December 30 during a press conference at the SLAF Headquarters.

The logo will be carried on a specially designed float during the annual Air Force cycle race from January 19 - 22. The SLAF's 60th anniversary logo will be carried from Colombo to Buttala for the Deyata Kirula exhibition where it will be on display for the public.

The fully fledged SLAF has over 35,000 personnel of which 1,400 are officers.

It is equipped with more than 110 aircraft, with four attack squadrons and three transport squadrons.