THE CRADLE OF HELICOPTER PILOTS CELEBRATES 29 YEARS
11:26pm on Saturday 23rd September 2023
The No. 7 Helicopter Squadron, based at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, celebrated its 29th Anniversary today (23 September 2023). This squadron boasts a distinguished history of dedicated service to the nation, spanning 29 years from 1994 to the present.
Initially established as the No. 401 Squadron on 23 September 1994, it operated with Bell 212 and Bell 206 helicopters. Later, on 23 March 1996, it was re-designated as the No. 7 Helicopter Squadron.
To mark this special occasion, the customary Working Parade took place at the squadron's premises. Wing Commander Asanka Ratnayake, the current Commanding Officer of No. 7 Squadron, reviewed the parade. He delivered an address to the officers and other ranks, expressing gratitude to all past and present squadron members for their generous contributions and tireless efforts in upholding the squadron's glory and eminence.
Following the parade, a friendly gathering of squadron personnel was held, accompanied by various entertainment events to commemorate the anniversary. The Base Commander of SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, who was a former Commanding Officer of the squadron, Group Captain Sameera Gunawadane graced the event as the Chief Guest.
In addition to paying profound respect to the squadron's fallen war heroes and their families, all those who contributed to the squadron's success were honoured and praised during the commemoration. The squadron carried out a week-long Community Service Project, renovating the home of Mr. Janaka Seneviratne, a former civilian worker at the Base. This project was conducted under the guidance and supervision of the Base Commander and the Commanding Officer. Furthermore, a dinner was organized for the children of Bosath Children's Home Hingurakgoda.
Religious ceremonies, including a "Bodhi Pooja," were performed at the Buddhist Centre Hingurakgoda, both in memory of the squadron's fallen war heroes and to seek blessings for the squadron, its members and their families.
Initially established as the No. 401 Squadron on 23 September 1994, it operated with Bell 212 and Bell 206 helicopters. Later, on 23 March 1996, it was re-designated as the No. 7 Helicopter Squadron.
To mark this special occasion, the customary Working Parade took place at the squadron's premises. Wing Commander Asanka Ratnayake, the current Commanding Officer of No. 7 Squadron, reviewed the parade. He delivered an address to the officers and other ranks, expressing gratitude to all past and present squadron members for their generous contributions and tireless efforts in upholding the squadron's glory and eminence.
Following the parade, a friendly gathering of squadron personnel was held, accompanied by various entertainment events to commemorate the anniversary. The Base Commander of SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, who was a former Commanding Officer of the squadron, Group Captain Sameera Gunawadane graced the event as the Chief Guest.
In addition to paying profound respect to the squadron's fallen war heroes and their families, all those who contributed to the squadron's success were honoured and praised during the commemoration. The squadron carried out a week-long Community Service Project, renovating the home of Mr. Janaka Seneviratne, a former civilian worker at the Base. This project was conducted under the guidance and supervision of the Base Commander and the Commanding Officer. Furthermore, a dinner was organized for the children of Bosath Children's Home Hingurakgoda.
Religious ceremonies, including a "Bodhi Pooja," were performed at the Buddhist Centre Hingurakgoda, both in memory of the squadron's fallen war heroes and to seek blessings for the squadron, its members and their families.
