AIR MARSHAL UDENI RAJAPAKSA ASSUMES DUTIES AS THE 19TH COMMANDER OF THE SRI LANKA AIR FORCE
12:50pm on Friday 30th June 2023
After being promoted to the three-star rank of Air Marshal by the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ranil Wickremasinghe, in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces with effect from today (30 June 2023), Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa assumed duties as the 19th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force this morning at Air Force Headquarters.
The 19th Commander was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Air Force Colour Wing and afterward made his inaugural address to the entire Air Force. The address was streamed live to the entire Air Force, enabling all Officers, Other Ranks and Civilians to witness the inaugural address.
In his inaugural speech to the Air Force, Air Marshal Rajapaksa thanked the President for placing trust in him and appointing him as the 19th Commander of the Air Force. He also conveyed his gratitude to the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), for his belief in him. He also stated that he will use the experience gained through his 35 years of service as an active participant in combat air operations during the 30-year-long Humanitarian Operations and managerial skills developed through local and foreign training to lift the Sri Lanka Air Force to heights second to none. The Commander also extended profound gratitude to his alma maters, beloved parents, family members, instructors and all the well-wishers who supported and blessed him on his journey to become who he is today. In conclusion of his address, Air Marshal Rajapaksa highlighted the utmost dedication of all SLAF personnel to deploy a professional Air Force exploiting the core competencies to undertake air operations in support of National Security.
Following the ceremonial proceedings, Air Marshal Rajapaksa attended the initial press briefing and addressed all the print and electronic media partners. At the beginning, the Commander appreciated the media partners for their professionalism, integrity and commitment to unbiased reporting, which paved the way to reach the public and create public confidence about the organization. Subsequently, the Commander elaborated on the main objectives that were focused on for the way forward of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Air Marshal Rajapaksa outlined his objectives for the Air Force. Initially, he highlighted the importance of securing Sri Lankan airspace to ensure safe domestic and international flights, foster trust with airlines, facilitate operations and deter unauthorized entry. Additionally, the Commander intends to promote peace by preventing unauthorized access, maintaining strong air defence and addressing drone risks. Further, he seeks to ensure maritime security, conduct Search and Rescue Operations, secure freedom of navigation in Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Flight Information Region (FIR). Following that, the focus will be on enhancing 60% of Air Force training with an emphasis on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, encompassing rescue operations, disaster relief efforts and aerial monitoring as first responders in emergencies such as tsunamis, floods or earthquakes. Moreover, emphasized the strengthening the SLAF's commitment to UN peacekeeping by boosting the national economy, enhancing domestic flights using air assets, upgrading UAVs for commercial projects and establishing an MI-17 Overhaul Repairing Wing to save foreign exchange. Finally, to expand cyber security measures and initiate space projects in collaboration with the University of Moratuwa and the Arthur C. Clarke Centre.
The 19th Commander was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Air Force Colour Wing and afterward made his inaugural address to the entire Air Force. The address was streamed live to the entire Air Force, enabling all Officers, Other Ranks and Civilians to witness the inaugural address.
In his inaugural speech to the Air Force, Air Marshal Rajapaksa thanked the President for placing trust in him and appointing him as the 19th Commander of the Air Force. He also conveyed his gratitude to the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), for his belief in him. He also stated that he will use the experience gained through his 35 years of service as an active participant in combat air operations during the 30-year-long Humanitarian Operations and managerial skills developed through local and foreign training to lift the Sri Lanka Air Force to heights second to none. The Commander also extended profound gratitude to his alma maters, beloved parents, family members, instructors and all the well-wishers who supported and blessed him on his journey to become who he is today. In conclusion of his address, Air Marshal Rajapaksa highlighted the utmost dedication of all SLAF personnel to deploy a professional Air Force exploiting the core competencies to undertake air operations in support of National Security.
Following the ceremonial proceedings, Air Marshal Rajapaksa attended the initial press briefing and addressed all the print and electronic media partners. At the beginning, the Commander appreciated the media partners for their professionalism, integrity and commitment to unbiased reporting, which paved the way to reach the public and create public confidence about the organization. Subsequently, the Commander elaborated on the main objectives that were focused on for the way forward of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Air Marshal Rajapaksa outlined his objectives for the Air Force. Initially, he highlighted the importance of securing Sri Lankan airspace to ensure safe domestic and international flights, foster trust with airlines, facilitate operations and deter unauthorized entry. Additionally, the Commander intends to promote peace by preventing unauthorized access, maintaining strong air defence and addressing drone risks. Further, he seeks to ensure maritime security, conduct Search and Rescue Operations, secure freedom of navigation in Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Flight Information Region (FIR). Following that, the focus will be on enhancing 60% of Air Force training with an emphasis on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, encompassing rescue operations, disaster relief efforts and aerial monitoring as first responders in emergencies such as tsunamis, floods or earthquakes. Moreover, emphasized the strengthening the SLAF's commitment to UN peacekeeping by boosting the national economy, enhancing domestic flights using air assets, upgrading UAVs for commercial projects and establishing an MI-17 Overhaul Repairing Wing to save foreign exchange. Finally, to expand cyber security measures and initiate space projects in collaboration with the University of Moratuwa and the Arthur C. Clarke Centre.
