The Japan Lanka Friendship Association yet again made very generous donations to the Sri Lanka Air Force at a colourful ceremony held at AFHQ today (22 July 2019). The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp which was followed by a welcome dance performed by SLAF Dancers. The Chief Fire Officer of the SLAF, Wing Commander Chandana Ratnayake made the official welcome to the visiting Japanese delegates.

The donations commenced with the awarding of three (3) scholarships to deserving Advanced Level children of servicemen. Mrs. Wakita Fumio handed out the first two scholarships to Janith Chanuka Heshan and Pawani Madush while Mrs. Wakida Akiko, Mrs. Tawada Hiroko and Mrs. Komase Noriko handed out a third scholarship to Lakshani Wijesinghe. Mrs. Wakita Fumio also donated 200 spectacles and Pencil Cases to the Seva Vanitha Unit of the SLAF. These items were accepted by the Secretary of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Squadron Leader Piumi Jayasundara.

Thereafter, Mr. and Mrs. Toji from the Hashima Taiko Group handed over Fire Fighting Accessories to the SLAF and the Commander accepted them. In Addition, Dr. Lal Thilakaratne together with Mrs. Komase Noriko donated Golf Equipment to the SLAF as well. For this donation, the Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana who is also the Chairman of SLAF Golf joined the Commander in accepting the donated Golf Equipment.

The visiting delegation was also presented with mementos and gifts in appreciation of their generous donations by the Commander.

A special cultural programme was held at AFHQ in appreciation of the donation, with the objective of making it a memorable event for the Japanese delegation. Members of the Air Force Board of Management, Officers and others ranks also witnessed the event.