SLAF HOLDS ANNUAL CHRISTIAN COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE 2024
9:17pm on Friday 19th July 2024
The Annual Air Force Christian Commemorative Service, where the Air Force remembers and appreciates those who laid down their lives in the name of service and nation, was held at St. Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya, today (19 July 2024) under the auspices of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa. The entire event was organized by the Directorate of Welfare and coordinated by SLAF Station Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
The Deputy Chief of Staff of SLAF, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, a cross section of officers with their families, other rankers, civilian staff and family members of those who have sacrificed their lives in action for preserving the sovereignty of the nation, participated in the Service.
The ceremony commenced with bagpipers leading the Officiating Clergy to the Alter. Christian clergy representing all major sects of the Christian faith participated at the service, invoking divine blessings on the Commander of the Air Force and all members so that they may continue to protect and defend the skies above Sri Lanka. Air Vice Marshal Gihan Senaviratne delivered the welcome address. Wing Commander Ruwan Goonewardene read the prayer of dedication, while Squadron Leader Dishani Moraes conducted the First Reading in Sinhala and Aircraftwoman Anne Swapna CV conducted the Second Reading in Tamil.
A distinctive feature of the service was the Blessing of the Flags, where flags representing the Air Force Academy, all Bases and Stations of the SLAF were marched up to the Alter and blessings were invoked on them and the establishments that they represented by His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva. A scroll containing the names of all who have laid down their lives in the line of duty was also offered and consecrated.
The participants then joined in fellowship and shared refreshments.
The Deputy Chief of Staff of SLAF, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, a cross section of officers with their families, other rankers, civilian staff and family members of those who have sacrificed their lives in action for preserving the sovereignty of the nation, participated in the Service.
The ceremony commenced with bagpipers leading the Officiating Clergy to the Alter. Christian clergy representing all major sects of the Christian faith participated at the service, invoking divine blessings on the Commander of the Air Force and all members so that they may continue to protect and defend the skies above Sri Lanka. Air Vice Marshal Gihan Senaviratne delivered the welcome address. Wing Commander Ruwan Goonewardene read the prayer of dedication, while Squadron Leader Dishani Moraes conducted the First Reading in Sinhala and Aircraftwoman Anne Swapna CV conducted the Second Reading in Tamil.
A distinctive feature of the service was the Blessing of the Flags, where flags representing the Air Force Academy, all Bases and Stations of the SLAF were marched up to the Alter and blessings were invoked on them and the establishments that they represented by His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva. A scroll containing the names of all who have laid down their lives in the line of duty was also offered and consecrated.
The participants then joined in fellowship and shared refreshments.
