A significant event unfolded at the Combat Training School in Diyatalawa on 01 September 2023 as the Student Officers of No. 77 Direct Entry Student Officers Course were commissioned. Air Vice Marshal VB Edirisinghe, the Director General Air Operations, presided over the parade as the Chief Guest. Wing Commander WAPM Wickramaarchchi, Officer Commanding Training of the Combat Training School, commanded the parade, which was witnessed by Air Commodore Vajira Senadheera and other officers and service personnel.

Five Student Officers successfully graduated from this prestigious institution after an intensive eight-week programme encompassing both combat and administrative training. The course's primary focus was to transform civilians into disciplined and proficient servicemen, achieved through two main modules: Basic Ground Combat and Basic Administration. These modules covered essential skills such as Drill, Field Craft, Land Navigation, Tactics, Weapon Training, Human Rights, Air Force Administration, First Aid, Command and Leadership, Officers’ General Responsibilities, and General Administration of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Furthermore, the newly commissioned officers participated in a formal dining-in-night event at the Officers’ Mess, providing them with the opportunity to engage with senior officers and gain deeper insights into military values and traditions.