No 111 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron at SLAF Base Vavuniya celebrated its 11th anniversary yesterday (1 June 2019).  To mark the event, a working parade was held at the squadron parade ground which was reviewed by Wing Commander WML Wanninayake, the Commanding Officer.

The initial inventory of UAVs was inducted in the year 1996 when No 11 UAV Flight was formed at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda under the command of Flight Lieutenant DS Talagala. Subsequently, the squadron was reestablished at SLAF Base Vavuniya and SLAF Base Anuradhapura and remodeled as No 111 and No 112 UAV Squadrons respectively on 1st June 2008.

During the “Humanitarian Operation”, the No 111 UAV Squadron used its Searcher MK II UAVs extensively over LTTE controlled terrain meeting the real time intelligence gathering and surveillance necessities of the tri forces, and proved a decisive factor that contributed to the success of the operation. 

In view of celebrating its 11th anniversary, the historical ruins in the  Madukanda Temple were permanently fitted with LED lights to illuminate the place where they kept ‘Sacred Tooth Relic’ of Lord Buddha.  A “Shramadana” Campaign was also conducted at the same location on 17 May 2019 with the participation of all officers and airmen of the squadron.

As a tribute, a token of appreciation and a certificate was offered to the Civil Staff who had given their fullest dedication to the squadron from the inception of the squadron. Further, mementos of appreciation were offered to the Squadron Warrant Officer and to Squadron Discipline SNCO, who are due to retire from the service.