The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, conducted a special inspection today (29 January 2026) of the ongoing construction of the new Children’s Ward Complex at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.The five-storey building is being constructed under the financial sponsorship of Mr. Indra Kumara Silva, Founder and Chairman of the Indra Traders Group, with construction supe...

The Aviation Fundamentals for Beginners workshop was successfully conducted at the Air Force Museum, Ratmalana.The two-day weekend programme was designed for school children from Grades 6 to 13 and aimed at providing an introductory understanding of aviation-related concepts. The workshop featured interactive lectures, practical demonstrations, and guided visits to aircraft workshops, en...

Sri Lanka Aviation Unit deployed under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) continues to play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability within Sector East, the largest sector of the country. The unit conducts a wide spectrum of air operations, including troop transport, insertion and extraction missions, arme...

As part of the programmes leading up to the 75th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force, a Blood Donation Campaign was successfully conducted at the SLAF Academy China Bay, today (28 January 2026). The programme was organized by the Regional Blood Bank of the District General Hospital, Trincomalee, with the active participation of SLAF personnel....

SLAF Station Bandaranaike International Airport commemorated its 27th anniversary on 26 January 2026. The anniversary celebrations were conducted under the guidance of the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Kolitha Weerasekara.A series of events were organized in line with the anniversary programme. These included a tree-planting campaign, a camp-day cricket match with the participation o...

Air Vice Marshal Gihan Seneviratne USP, MDS, MSSD, BSc (Aero Eng-USA), ndc (Ban), AMIESL, psc, z was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, with effect from today (27 January 2026). The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, officially handed over the letter of appointment to Air Vice Marshal Gihan Seneviratne at the Air Force Headquarters ...

The Annual Research Symposium 2025 (ARS-2025) was successfully concluded for the second consecutive year at the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy, China Bay, yesterday (26 January 2026). The symposium was conducted under the patronage of the Commandant, SLAF Academy China Bay, Air Commodore Amal Perera.Professor Ajith Weerasinghe from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University pa...

The SLAF successfully concluded the Final Awarding Ceremony today (26 January 2026) of the ‘Clean Today, Green Tomorrow' environmental initiative, with the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme was conducted under the guidance of the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe in colla...

Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe USP, MDS, BSc (Def Stu), MIM (SL), ndc, psc bid adieu to the Sri Lanka Air Force today (26 January 2026), after completing 35 years of dedicated service to the nation. At the time of his retirement, he held the appointment of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force.Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe made an official farewell call on the Commander of...

The SLAF Women’s Archery Team delivered an exceptional performance at the 09th Wayamba All Island Archery Championship 2026, held at the Samodaya Ground, Kurunegala, to clinch the overall championship among more than 25 teams representing the Tri-Forces, archery clubs and leading schools from across the island.Displaying outstanding team spirit, dedication and technical excellence, the...

The SLAF Men’s and Women’s Taekwondo teams emerged as ‘Overall Champions' at the National Taekwondo Championship 2026, held at the Wathupitiwala Indoor Sports Complex, Nittambuwa, from 23 to 25 January 2026.The championship was graced by Her Excellency Miyon Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest, along with Mr. Chaminda Punchihewa, Chairman and M...

The 83rd National Wrestling Championship 2025 concluded successfully from 21 January to 23 January 2026, at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo marking a significant milestone for SLAF Wrestling with a notable dual championship victory in both the men’s and women’s categories.The prestigious national event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, ...

The 11th Sri Lanka Air Force Aviation Contingent assigned to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) departed Sri Lanka this morning (21 January 2026). The Contingent consists of 22 officers, including two lady officers and 88 airmen, including five airwomen, and is commanded by Group Captain Asiri Pathirage. The personnel represent the full rang...

The Inter Unit Hockey Championship 2026 was concluded at SLAF Trade Training School Ekala yesterday (20 January 2026). The finals and Awards Ceremony were held at the same venue with the graceful presence of The Director General Health Services, Air Vice Marshal Lalith Jayaweera as the Chief Guest.SLAF Base Anuradhapura claimed the Championship of the Men's 11-A side category whilst SLAF...

The opening ceremony of the School of Allied Health Sciences at SLAF Base Katunayke was held today (20 January 2026) under the auspices of Director General Health Services, Air Vice Marshal (Dr.) Lalith Jayaweera. This marks a significant step towards strengthening the medical and paramedical training capabilities of the Tri Services. The establishment of this school addresses a critical...

A 15-member delegation from the Army Command and Staff College – Nepal visited Air Force Headquarters today (19 January 2026). The delegation was headed by Brigadier General Purna Bahadur Khatri.The head of the delegation, Brigadier General Purna Bahadur Khatri, along with a few members, called on the Director General of Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias, on behalf of the ...

No. 33 Land Based Air Defence Wing of the Sri Lanka Air Force, based at SLAF Base Anuradhapura, celebrated its 15th Anniversary yesterday (17 January 2026).The Wing is presently commanded by Squadron Leader Chathura Pattiwila and consists of four Land Based Air Defence Squadrons and three Land Based Air Defence Flights deployed at SLAF Base Anuradhapura, SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, SLAF Acad...

The Sri Lanka National Weightlifting Championship 2025, organized by the Sri Lanka Weightlifting Federation, was held at the Torrington Indoor Stadium from 17 to 18 January 2026.The Sri Lanka Air Force Women’s Weightlifting Team secured the ‘Overall Women’s Championship Title’, recording a successful performance at the national-level competition. The championship brought together...

The Change of Command of No. 6 Helicopter Squadron at SLAF Base Anuradhapura was held yesterday (17 January 2026), marked by the traditional Taking Over Parade conducted at the Squadron premises.Wing Commander A Fernandopulle RSP and Bar, MSc (Def & Strat Stu), Pg Dip (Def Mgt), psc officially assumed duties as the new Commanding Officer of No. 6 Helicopter Squadron.Prior to the appo...

A one-day Karate training programme organized for SLAF Karate players was held at the SLAF Health Management Centre, Thummulla, with the participation of Karate instructors from Japan.The programme was conducted in collaboration with the International Winners Sports Karate Association Sri Lanka (IWSKAS) with the aim of improving the technical proficiency and competition preparedness of S...

The Certificate and Badge Awarding Ceremony of the No. 49 Officers’, No. 10 Lady Officers’, No. 65 Airmen’s, No. 18 Airwomen’s and No. 40 Navy Personnel Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Basic Courses was held today (14 January 2026) at SLAF Station Palavi. The ceremony marked the successful completion of intensive training by 25 personnel from the Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lan...