Sri Lanka Air Force hosted the traditional cocktail in celebrating the distinguished and honoured service rendered to the nation with a proud legacy for 72 years that was laced with the sweat, blood and tears of the sons and daughters of the land who selflessly placed the country before self. The celebration took place at Eagles’ Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall at Aththidiya yesterday (01 March 2023).

The gala evening was graced by the Senior Advisor to the President on National Security, Mr. Sagala Rathnayake as the Chief Guest. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana and his lady, Mrs. Charmini Pathirana, accompanied the Chief Guest to the evening. The celebration commenced with the cutting of the very own anniversary cake following the toast proposed by the Commander of the Air Force.

The State Minister of Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Thennakoon, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera along with their spouses, other distinguished guests, which included the former Commander of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkodi, retired Officers, Members of the Air Force Board of Management along with their ladies, foreign dignitaries, a cross section of serving officers, and other ranks, participated in this gala event.