The 18th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, ceremonially handed over command to Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, culminating his illustrious 38-year service to the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Nation today (29 June 2023), at Air Force Headquarters.

The outgoing Commander was accorded a glamorous parade, which included the President's Colours at SLAF Base Katunayake. The occasion was attended by the outgoing Chairperson of SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Charmini Pathirana. Afterward, the outgoing Commander addressed the entire Air Force for the very last time. During his speech, he expressed gratitude to all the members of the Sri Lanka Air Force for their support extended during his tenure.
 
At the conclusion of the day's proceedings, the outgoing Commander, Air Chief Marshal Pathirana, unveiled his image, which now stands in the lobby at Air Force Headquarters. He subsequently handed over the ceremonial baton to the next in command, symbolizing the change of command in the Sri Lanka Air Force. The occasion was attended by members of the Air Force Board of Management, as well as officers and other ranks at Air Force Headquarters and SLAF Station Colombo, who paid their final salute.

Following the ceremonial parade, the customary Dining-Out Night was held at the Officers' Mess of SLAF Base Katunayake. This event was organized to honour the service of Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana and his wife, Mrs. Charmini Pathirana. In the Air Force tradition, it is customary to ceremonially dine out with the outgoing Air Chief. At the end of the event, the outgoing Commander seated in a Kfir aircraft and towed away from the Officers' Mess, symbolizing his departure from the Air Force.