The final rehearsal for the 72nd Independence Day Parade was held this morning (3 February 2020) at the Independence Square. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias witnessed today’s rehearsals along with the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, the Commander of the Army and the Commander of the Navy. The Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, the Director Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Ravi Jayasinghe, the Director Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal Leonard Rodrigo, Senior officers of the Tri Forces were also present for today’s rehearsals.

This year too, the Sri Lanka Air Force will participate in the ceremonial parade with 55 Officers, 832 Airmen and Airwomen who are expected to present their salute to His Excellency the President.

Further, the aircraft fleet of the Sri Lanka Air Force is also due to perform at the Independence Day Fly-Past. The SLAF aircraft fleet will be made up of a Bell 212 Helicopter, 3 Bell 412 Helicopters, 3 MI-17 Helicopters, 4 Y-12s Light Transport Aircraft, a B-200 Surveillance Aircraft, an MA-60 Transport Aircraft, 5 PT-6 Basic Trainer Aircraft, 3 K-8 Advance Jet Trainer Aircraft and 3 F-7 Fighter Jets.