Sri Lanka Air Force hosted the traditional cocktail in celebrating the distinguished and honoured service rendered to the nation with a proud legacy for 73 years that were laced with the sweat, blood and tears of the sons and daughters of the land who selflessly placed the country before self. The celebration took place at Eagles’ Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall at Aththidiya yesterday (02 March 2024).

The evening was graced by the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Pramitha Bandara Thennakoon as the Chief Guest. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and his lady, Mrs. Enoka Rajapaksa, accompanied the Chief Guest to the evening. Notably, the occasion adorned with SLAF aircraft, including the humble Chipmunk, PT6 trainer aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and pilot equipment, adding glamour to the festivities.  The celebration commenced with the cutting of the very own anniversary cake following the toast proposed by the Commander of the Air Force.

The Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilake, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera along with their spouses, other distinguished guests, which included the former Commanders of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkodi and Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghale, retired Senior Officers, Members of the Air Force Board of Management along with their ladies, foreign dignitaries, a cross section of serving officers and other ranks, participated in this event.