SLAF INTER UNIT DRILL, BAND AND INTER SCHOOL CADETS’ WESTERN BAND COMPETITIONS CONCLUDE ON A HIGH NOTE
5:13pm on Wednesday 21st June 2023
The 'Inter Unit Drill, Band and Inter School Cadets’ Western Band Competition 2023' concluded on a high note today (21 June 2023) at the Parade Square of SLAF Base Katunayake. This significant event, taking place after a four-year hiatus, was graced by the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, who attended as the Chief Guest.
A total of 23 teams representing all SLAF establishments participated in the drill competition. From these, three teams from SLAF Base Ratmalana, SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa and SLAF Station Bandaranaike International Airport qualified for the finals.
The team from SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa, led by Squadron Leader Niroshan Mayuranga, showcased exceptional skills and emerged as the champions, receiving the Championship Trophy from Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. The team from SLAF Base Ratmalana, led by Squadron Leader Niroshan Gangodawila, secured the second position, while the team from SLAF Station Bandaranaike International Airport, led by Flight Lieutenant Prasad Perera, claimed the third position.
Additionally, the Band Competition featured Military Bands, namely the Red Wing representing SLAF Base Katunayake and the Green Wing, which was a combination of bands from SLAF Academy China Bay, SLAF Base Anuradhapura and SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa. The Red Wing team from SLAF Base Katunayake emerged as the winners of the competition.
This year's competition introduced a new segment, a competition between Inter School Cadets' Western Bands, which was the brainchild of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. Following an enthusiastic competition, St. Anne's College, Kurunegala and Vidyarathana University College, Horana, made it to the finals. Ultimately, St. Anne's College, Kurunegala, secured the trophy as the Best School Cadets' Western Band in the competition.
A total of 23 teams representing all SLAF establishments participated in the drill competition. From these, three teams from SLAF Base Ratmalana, SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa and SLAF Station Bandaranaike International Airport qualified for the finals.
The team from SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa, led by Squadron Leader Niroshan Mayuranga, showcased exceptional skills and emerged as the champions, receiving the Championship Trophy from Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. The team from SLAF Base Ratmalana, led by Squadron Leader Niroshan Gangodawila, secured the second position, while the team from SLAF Station Bandaranaike International Airport, led by Flight Lieutenant Prasad Perera, claimed the third position.
Additionally, the Band Competition featured Military Bands, namely the Red Wing representing SLAF Base Katunayake and the Green Wing, which was a combination of bands from SLAF Academy China Bay, SLAF Base Anuradhapura and SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa. The Red Wing team from SLAF Base Katunayake emerged as the winners of the competition.
This year's competition introduced a new segment, a competition between Inter School Cadets' Western Bands, which was the brainchild of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. Following an enthusiastic competition, St. Anne's College, Kurunegala and Vidyarathana University College, Horana, made it to the finals. Ultimately, St. Anne's College, Kurunegala, secured the trophy as the Best School Cadets' Western Band in the competition.
Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chairman Organizing Committee and Director General Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal Waruna Gunewardena, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera, senior officers, officers and other ranks, specifically the school cadets, teachers and Principals of the respective winning schools, attended this grand occasion.
