President Maithripala Sirisena, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces paid his first formal visit to Air Force when he arrived at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayaka today (10 July 2015), in the company of the Secretary Defence, Mr. B.M.U.D Basnayake and Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala. 

President Maithripala Sirisena was received with a parade at Air Force Base Katunayaka.  Giving a symbolic significance to his maiden visit President Sirisena was invited to plant a tree in the base premises before he spoke to all ranks who had gathered there.

Base Commander, SLAF Base Katunayaka, Air Commodore Sudarshana Pathirana welcomed the visiting Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces presenting a detailed account of the roles and tasks of the troops before he respectfully invited him to address all ranks of the SLAF.

In his address to the troops, President Maithripala Sirisena highlighted the importance of national security for the country’s forward-march.

President Sirisena mentioned a few of the projects that have been implemented for the greater benefit of the security forces at all levels. He mentioned once again that plans are afoot to devise a national security plan covering all aspects of necessary areas.
He assured that all aspects of welfare and facilities of the tri-service personnel will be looked after to ensure all possible assistance to lead comfortable lives.

While appreciating the troop contribution to the development of the country, the President told the gathering that the valuable support of the security forces need to be mustered for the development of the country in the future too.     

Finally, the Commander of the Air Force presented  a memento to the President to mark the occasion.