The Fall Out Parade of the No 7 Contingent of the Aviation Unit under the United Nations helicopter deployment in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) was held today (09 November 2021) at Air Force Headquarters. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana took the salute of the parade which was commanded by Wing Commander Sampath Liyanarachchi, the Contingent Commander of the 7th Contingent.

This Heli-deployment comprises of 20 Officers and 90 Airmen and is scheduled to proceed to the Central Africa Republic by the end of this month. This contingent also comprises a Lady Officer for the first time in the history of SLAF UN Deployments. This Lady Officer is one of the Medical Officers of this Contingent.

The Commander addressed the contingent personnel at the parade where he emphasized that UN Headquarters has appreciated the yeoman service carried out by Sri Lanka Air Force aviation contingents deployed in Central African Republic owing to display of service professionalism and devotion to the duty of our service personnel.  

The Parade was followed by a socializing event which was also attended by the Chief of Staff and members of the Air Force Board of Management, Officers, Other Ranks of the 7th Contingent. Todays event was held with adherences to guidelines put in place for the prevention of spreading COVID-19.