SLAF celebrates 60 years:

Resolute, innovative air power

By Dhaneshi YATAWARA

Withstanding many challenges the Sri Lanka Air Force today celebrates 60 years of its remarkable journey to achieve excellence. During this six long decades the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has been in the forefront in ‘Protecting the Lankan Skies’ (‘Surakimu Lakambara’). The past four years could have been the most challenging period in which the Air Force displayed the best of their abilities.

The Air Force honouring the Commander-in-Chief President Mahinda Rajapaksa

The SLAF underwent a dramatic change as an Armed Force during Eelam war IV under the unwavering leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the clear guidance of Secretary Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The Air Force grew into an exemplary fighting unit during the past few years.

Rather than following traditional Armed Force duties, the SLAF has taken a step ahead to address national issues, be it development activities or a disaster situation. Today they are capable of coping with any threat. They are geared to performing their duties in a far more advanced level of professionalism, efficiency and commitment becoming a resolute and innovative air arm in the region. They have turned out to be a multi-faceted wing which shoulders a major portion of the country’s development and disaster management in addition to adhering to their prime task of safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. At what other time other than the Diamond Jubilee they could showcase their ultimate achievement and skills.

Royal touch

It was established on March 2, 1951, then known as the Royal Ceylon Air Force a.k.a. RCyAF, under the command of Air Commodore G.C. Bladon, the headquarters were at Parsons Road, Colombo which was then known as Riffle Green House. Chipmunks were the first aircrafts that were inducted to the RCyAF and step, by step the fleet expanded with the subsequent addition of Balliol and De Havilland Dove air craft and Dragonfly helicopters. In 1959, during the command of Air Vice Marshal J.L. Barker the Jet Provost aircraft joined the fleet and that was the Air Force’s first encounter with jets.

The first regimental squadron was formed in 1960. Air Vice Marshal E.R. Amarasekara was appointed as the next Air Force Commander in 1962, thus becoming the first Sri Lankan Air Force Commander. By 1966, Air Vice Marshal Amarasekara managed to fill the Air Force cadre with Ceylonese nationals. Then in 1971 they had the youngest Commander of the Air Force - Air Chief Marshal P.H. Mendis who was 38-years-old. During his tenure the RCyAF became the Sri Lanka Air Force when the country became a Republic under the United Front Government.

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetilake and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama in conversation.

The first major operational call for the Air Force came in with the 1971 insurgency. In 1972, Sri Lanka Air Force was awarded with the prestigious President’s Colours recognizing the service rendered to the country.

Radical changes

Air Chief Marshal Harry Goonetileke became the fifth Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force in November 1976. He successfully expanded Air Force operations to the four corners of the country. He is the key figure to contribute greatly to develop SLAF sports. During the tenure of the sixth Commander of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal D.C. Perera the aircraft fleet expanded immensely with the induction of nearly 20 aircraft. Among them were the Bell 212 and 412 helicopters, Siai Marchetti SF260s, Cessna 337s, Avro HS748s and Beech King Aircraft. Seeing the signs of the Northern insurgency the SLAF continued to establish more airfields and runways across the country.

During Air Chief Marshal A.W. Fernando’s command from 1985, SF 260TP light ground attack air craft, Y-12 and Y-8 light air crafts were inducted to the inventory. This was mainly to strengthen the support extended by the Air Force to the Northern and Eastern military operations that were growing intensely.

It was during the tenure of Air Chief Marshal M.J.T. de S. Gunawardena’s period (SLAF’s eighth Commander) the Chinese F-7s were inducted to the Air Force and they were the first supersonic jet interceptors for the SLAF. The IA 58 Pucara Ground Attack Aircraft and three Russian MI -17s were also acquired. Air Chief Marshal Gunawardena made a radical change in the SLAF management structure by introducing the Zonal Command concept to intensify operational requirements. It was in 1996, during Air Chief Marshal Oliver Ranasinghe’s tenure (the ninth Air Force Commander) the Israeli built Kfir Aircraft and the Russian MI-24s were inducted to the Air Force. The AN 32B transport aircraft and more MI-17 helicopters were also added to the fleet during this time.

Siai Machetti

This advancement began to provide tremendous service in tactical transportation to the Northern and Eastern Operations. It was during this period, Unmanned Ariel Vehicle technology was introduced to the Air Force. This was a force multiplier to the ground forces. It was during this period that Air Force achieved the National Quality Awards for the excellence in large scale service category. In 1998, Air Chief Marshal J. Weerakkody took over as the tenth Commander of the Air Force.

The MiG 27 flogger aircraft was added to the SLAF inventory during his tenure and the transport capabilities were advanced with the addition of C130 Hercules aircraft. Air Chief Marshal Weerakkody was instrumental in establishing the Junior Command and Staff College in China Bay.

To mark the 50th Anniversary of the Air Force in 2001 the oldest base and the oldest formation of the SLAF, the Katunayake base and No.1 flying training wing were honoured with President’s Colours. Under the command of Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera (eleventh commander) the SLAF air defence capabilities were enhanced to face the air capabilities of the enemy which was seen developed during that time period. The ground based Air Defence Radar System, Anti Aircraft Artillery as well as shoulder fired Surface-to-Air Missiles were included into the inventory. During this time the SLAF bagged the National Productivity Award - 2003 in the Government Department Category.

After the 2004 tsunami the SLAF carried out a heavy load of rescue missions and carried relief items to the victims amidst the heavy battle against terrorists. In June, 2006 Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke took over the commandership of the SLAF.

The political leadership under President Mahinda Rajapaksa was determined to wipe out terrorism from the country permanently and the SLAF geared up to make the victory a reality. Under Air Chief Marshal Goonetileke’s command the SLAF upgraded itself with modern technological equipment steering the SLAF to a new dimension which enabled to accomplish the tasks assigned.

Vintage aircraft still in function - Tiger Moth

The F7 GS fighter jets were inducted to the SLAF which were the most sophisticated fleet in terms of avionics. During the past few years the SLAF aquired new ariel reconnaissance capabilities by adding new Unmanned Ariel Vehicles and many other state-of-the-art technology for accurate intelligence gathering which lead to accurate targeting both by air and ground troops.

The SLAF was awarded with President’s Colours in 2009 and also bagged the National Productivity Award.

The new Commander, Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama, following his tedious work as the Director Air Operations during the height of the operations and as a well experienced Deputy Chief of Staff takes over the Air Force 13th Commander’s post at the transition period of the SLAF from military operations to peace time operations.

Air Marshal Abeywickrama, during his tenure as the Director Air Operations was instrumental in the revolutionary development of combat capability of the Sri Lanka Air Force and was the driving force behind the many successful air operations during the humanitarian operation.

The SLAF celebrated its Golden Jubilee on March 2, with the largest ever march past held in SLAF history which comprised over 1200 Air Force personnel. This included 98 officers and four Warrant Officers.

A large number of top ranked officers of Air Forces from India, Pakistan, China as well as diplomats who graced the occasion to honour the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Today the SLAF exhibits its grandeur and valour symbolizing its commitment and strength to protect and develop this island nation into a more precious state.