The outgoing Commanding Officer, Group Captain PDSS Gunawardana RSP and two Bars, USP, MSc (Def & Strat Stu), psc handed over the command of the No 7 Squadron at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Hingurakgoda to Group Captain SR Jayaratne WV, WWV, RSP, USP, MMS (Mil Com-PRC), BSc (Def Stu), Pg Dip (Def Mgt), psc, qhi today (15th October 2021). The traditional “Handing over Taking over” parade was conducted at the Squadron premises.

The outgoing Commanding Officer, Group Captain Gunawardana took over command of the No 7 Helicopter Squadron on the 18th of December 2018 and commanded the Squadron when it was bestowed with the prestigious President’s Colour in 2019. He will be proceeding to Air Force Headquarters to take over the appointment of Staff Officer Foreign Missions. The new Commanding Officer, Group Captain Jayaratne previously held the appointment of Staff Officer Air Operations 1 at the Directorate of Air Operations before taking over command of the Squadron.

The new Commanding Officer addressed all Squadron personnel and appreciated the dedicated service of his predecessor and acknowledged the enormous progress made during his tenure. He also requested all personnel to continue their work with the same dedication and enthusiasm.