AIR VICE MARSHAL
TI FERNANDO
MBA, MDS, B.A. Hons, ndc, psc, PG Dip in Mgt, SWORN Translator, Justice of Peace (All Island)
Director General Coordinating to the Chief of Defence Staff

It is with great pleasure and honour that I extend a warm welcome to you for the inaugural Air Symposium at the prestigious Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in 2024. This event provides the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) a unique opportunity to bring together air forces, other military services, academic professionals, and defence industry personnel for a momentous gathering at the iconic BMICH. The Air Symposium 2024 aims to facilitate the exchange of innovative air strategies and share invaluable experiences, fostering collaboration and knowledgesharing among distinguished participants under the theme of ‘Transforming Air and Space Power for a Resilient Tomorrow: Prospects for Air Forces of Indian Ocean RIM.’

In a departure from tradition, the secretariat aims to breathe new life into the symposium culture from the year 2024. This approach sets individuals apart from traditional presentations by placing a strong emphasis on embracing innovation and nurturing dynamic engagement. During this pivotal period, over 1,000 participants are anticipated to converge under one roof, sharing their diverse perspectives and commonalities. This transformative approach is set to redefine the history of the Air Symposium in Sri Lanka, marking a significant departure from previous years.

The Colombo Air Symposium (CAS) serves as a distinguished platform, uniting air forces, aviation experts, industry leaders, and enthusiasts to disseminate their knowledge within a cutting-edge technological milieu. Participants are afforded a rare opportunity to actively engage in discussions surrounding emerging trends and forge meaningful international partnerships.

Under the sagacious guidance of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, this website has been meticulously crafted to encapsulate the insights and perspectives of industry experts. An inclusive invitation is extended to member states and dialogue partners of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), air forces, academic professionals, and defence industry personnel, encouraging them to present and publish their papers within this digital platform, fostering a collaborative exchange of ideas and advancements.