Commander’s Inspection of SLAF Base Anuradhapura
7:56pm on Friday 2nd August 2019
The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias conducted the Commander’s Inspection of SLAF Base Anuradhapura today (2nd August 2019).
The Commander reviewed the Commander’s Inspection Parade commanded by the Base Commander of SLAF Base Anuradhapura, Air Commodore HN Abeysinghe. The Commander awarded the Flight Engineer Brevet to Flight Lieutenant WMSKB Wijayathunga. This officer had flown over 50 hours on the MI 17 helicopter to be eligible to wear the brevet. The following service personnel were also awarded Commendations during the parade.
Warrant Officer BGN Premajayantha (Aeronautical Engine Fitter)
Flight Sergeant Dassanayake DMUP (Aeronautical Engine Fitter)
Flight Sergeant Anuradha KWS (Aeronautical Electrical & Instrument Fitter)
Sergeant Priyantha Kumara EA (Motor Transport Fitter)
Corporal Weerasinghe CDCS (Aeronautical Engine Fitter)
Leading Aircraftman Jayawardhane WMPI (Agricultural Assistant)
Leading Aircraftman Gunarathna AADPM (Aircraft Welder)
Leading Aircraftman Jayaweera NLTP (Operations Ground)
During the course of the inspection the Commander visited all areas of the Base including Base Headquarters, No 6 Squadron, No 33 Land Based Air Defence Wing, General Engineering Wing and the No 21 Regiment Wing.
The Commander also joined the customary All Ranks Lunch at the Airmens’ Mess with a cross section of Officers, Airmen, Airwomen and Civilian staff.
Concluding the Commander’s Inspection, the Commander addressed all ranks and the civilian personnel at the No 6 Squadron Hangar. During his address he proudly recalled the days when he had close contact with Anuradhapura for Air Operations. He also recalled the events of 1990 when his helicopter was shot and he was injured while providing combat air support to the Silawathura Army Camp which was under enemy fire.
The Commander emphasised the fact that a high level of discipline is required to be maintained by all members and that, it is the key factor in facing challenges that we as Air Force members face on a daily basis. The Commander finally thanked all ranks and civilians of the Base for setting aside their personal needs and preparing the Base for the Commander’s Inspection at a very high level and encouraged them to strive for greater heights.
Corporal Weerasinghe CDCS (Aeronautical Engine Fitter)
Leading Aircraftman Jayawardhane WMPI (Agricultural Assistant)
Leading Aircraftman Gunarathna AADPM (Aircraft Welder)
Leading Aircraftman Jayaweera NLTP (Operations Ground)
During the course of the inspection the Commander visited all areas of the Base including Base Headquarters, No 6 Squadron, No 33 Land Based Air Defence Wing, General Engineering Wing and the No 21 Regiment Wing.
The Commander also joined the customary All Ranks Lunch at the Airmens’ Mess with a cross section of Officers, Airmen, Airwomen and Civilian staff.
Concluding the Commander’s Inspection, the Commander addressed all ranks and the civilian personnel at the No 6 Squadron Hangar. During his address he proudly recalled the days when he had close contact with Anuradhapura for Air Operations. He also recalled the events of 1990 when his helicopter was shot and he was injured while providing combat air support to the Silawathura Army Camp which was under enemy fire.
The Commander emphasised the fact that a high level of discipline is required to be maintained by all members and that, it is the key factor in facing challenges that we as Air Force members face on a daily basis. The Commander finally thanked all ranks and civilians of the Base for setting aside their personal needs and preparing the Base for the Commander’s Inspection at a very high level and encouraged them to strive for greater heights.
