The five-day endeavor of the SLAF 'Air Tattoo 2024', meticulously organized and held at Muttarweli Ground in Jaffna, culminated yesterday (10 March 2024) on a note of remarkable success. This initiative was dedicated to spreading joy and knowledge at the heart of our nation, with a particular focus on nurturing the minds of tomorrow's leaders.

In an effort to advance academic pursuits in Aviation studies, with a specific emphasis on fundamental aircraft propulsion and design methodologies and to inspire aspirations among young talents in the Northern region towards elevated achievements in Aviation, the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, generously donated a HUOSAI-6A Radial type piston engine, used on PT-6 trainer aircraft and a R-29B-300 type 55B Twin-Spool Turbojet Engine used on Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27 Supersonic Jet to the University of Jaffna. The Handing Over/Taking Over Ceremony at the Exhibition was attended by officials of the University of Jaffna, including Dean Faculty of Engineering, Dr. K Pirapaharan, Dean Faculty of Technology, Prof. (Mrs.) S Sivachandiran, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. (Mrs.) T Thanihaichelvan, Actg Vice Chancellor, Prof. S Kannathasan; and Lecturer Faculty of Engineering, Engineer Saliya Sampath.

Furthermore, the Commander extended appreciation and recognition to the enthusiastic schoolchildren in the Northern Province who conducted briefings on Aircraft components and other relevant subjects throughout the Air Tattoo 2024. Additionally, as a gesture of generosity and care, the SLAF presented a bicycle to a student whose bicycle was stolen while engaging with the Tattoo activities. These solemn events were attended by Director General Aeronautical Engineering and Chairman Organizing Committee Air Tattoo -2024, Air Vice Marshal Muditha Mahawattage, Director Doctrine and Policy Development, Air Commodore Indika Wickramasinghe and senior officers.

Moreover, the first consignment of the 73000 saplings project was symbolically distributed at the Muttarweli Ground to the people of the Northern Province. Additionally, the distribution among farmers in Jaffna was inaugurated by SLAF Agro Unit in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Provincial Director of Agriculture – Jaffna. The distribution event was attended by Commanding Officer Agro Unit, Group Captain HBD Samarathunga, Provincial Director of Agriculture Northern Province, Mrs. Suganthini Senthilkumaran, Deputy Provincial Director of Agriculture Northern Province, Mrs. Anjanathevy Srirangan, Agriculture Instructor Thirunelvely, Mr. R Gajendran and Squadron Leader Thananjayan.

Additionally, an opportunity for a helicopter ride in the SLAF MI-17 helicopter was extended to students who achieved the highest academic performances in the Northern Province. Under the guidance of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, and the supervision of Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera, these students were treated to a new and exhilarating experience, enjoying the aerial view of the Jaffna Peninsula with enthusiasm.