SLAF COMMANDER ATTENDS 10TH DESHAMANYA GENERAL DENNIS PERERA ORATION
11:26pm on Sunday 1st September 2024
The 10th Annual General Deshamanya Denis Perera Memorial Oration was held on 01 September 2024, organized by the Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers (ARFRO) at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. This distinguished event, orated by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, centered on the theme, ‘Role of Air Forces for Collective Security in an Ocean of Geopolitical Uncertainty’.
General Deshamanya Denis Perera, a distinguished alumnus of St. Peter's College, made a significant impact on Sri Lanka's military landscape. He served as the Commander of the Army from 1977 to 1981, where his leadership and dedication were exemplary. After his military career, he became the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Australia, contributing to the nation’s diplomatic efforts. Later, he was honored with the position of Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing military education and national defence. In acknowledgment of his exceptional and dedicated service to the nation, General Denis Perera was awarded the esteemed title of "Deshamanya" by the Government of Sri Lanka in the year 2000.
The Commander of the Air Force delivered the oration, focusing on the ‘Role of Air Forces in Collective Security in an Ocean of Geopolitical Uncertainty’. His comprehensive overview encompassed a range of key areas, including security challenges, regional cooperation, and the evolving nature of conflict. The Commander emphasized the need for air forces to adapt to the changing paradigm of modern warfare, which is characterized by increasing complexity and unpredictability. He highlighted the importance of maintaining readiness to address a diverse spectrum of threats, from traditional military challenges to non-traditional security issues. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) was a central focus of the Commander's address, as it faces unique security challenges. He underscored the necessity for regional cooperation and the pivotal role of air forces in safeguarding maritime security and addressing emerging threats such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal activities.
The Commander also discussed the significance of Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) and Flight Information Regions (FIRs) in the IOR. He emphasized the need for effective coordination and cooperation among air forces to ensure the safety and security of these vital routes. In addition to traditional security concerns, the Commander addressed the growing threat of blue crimes, drug trafficking, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. He highlighted the crucial role of air forces in combating these illicit activities and protecting marine resources.
The Commander outlined Sri Lanka's approach to addressing these challenges, emphasizing the country's commitment to regional security and cooperation. He discussed strategies for overcoming obstacles and building resilience in the face of emerging threats. The Commander concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of a strong collective security architecture and the role of military diplomacy in fostering cooperation and understanding among nations. He underscored the need for enhanced collaboration and information sharing among air forces to address shared challenges effectively.
The solemn occasion was attended by President of the ARFRO, Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala (Retd), Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Former Commanders of SL Army and SL Navy, Vice Chancellor of Kothalawala Defence University , Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, Members of the Executive Committee of ARFRO, Chief of Staff of the SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Wickremaratne, members of the Air Force Board of Management, as well as a substantial assembly of both serving and retired Officers from the tri-services, along with the relatives of General Deshamanya Denis Perera.
General Deshamanya Denis Perera, a distinguished alumnus of St. Peter's College, made a significant impact on Sri Lanka's military landscape. He served as the Commander of the Army from 1977 to 1981, where his leadership and dedication were exemplary. After his military career, he became the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Australia, contributing to the nation’s diplomatic efforts. Later, he was honored with the position of Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing military education and national defence. In acknowledgment of his exceptional and dedicated service to the nation, General Denis Perera was awarded the esteemed title of "Deshamanya" by the Government of Sri Lanka in the year 2000.
The Commander of the Air Force delivered the oration, focusing on the ‘Role of Air Forces in Collective Security in an Ocean of Geopolitical Uncertainty’. His comprehensive overview encompassed a range of key areas, including security challenges, regional cooperation, and the evolving nature of conflict. The Commander emphasized the need for air forces to adapt to the changing paradigm of modern warfare, which is characterized by increasing complexity and unpredictability. He highlighted the importance of maintaining readiness to address a diverse spectrum of threats, from traditional military challenges to non-traditional security issues. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) was a central focus of the Commander's address, as it faces unique security challenges. He underscored the necessity for regional cooperation and the pivotal role of air forces in safeguarding maritime security and addressing emerging threats such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal activities.
The Commander also discussed the significance of Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) and Flight Information Regions (FIRs) in the IOR. He emphasized the need for effective coordination and cooperation among air forces to ensure the safety and security of these vital routes. In addition to traditional security concerns, the Commander addressed the growing threat of blue crimes, drug trafficking, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. He highlighted the crucial role of air forces in combating these illicit activities and protecting marine resources.
The Commander outlined Sri Lanka's approach to addressing these challenges, emphasizing the country's commitment to regional security and cooperation. He discussed strategies for overcoming obstacles and building resilience in the face of emerging threats. The Commander concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of a strong collective security architecture and the role of military diplomacy in fostering cooperation and understanding among nations. He underscored the need for enhanced collaboration and information sharing among air forces to address shared challenges effectively.
The solemn occasion was attended by President of the ARFRO, Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala (Retd), Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Former Commanders of SL Army and SL Navy, Vice Chancellor of Kothalawala Defence University , Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, Members of the Executive Committee of ARFRO, Chief of Staff of the SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Wickremaratne, members of the Air Force Board of Management, as well as a substantial assembly of both serving and retired Officers from the tri-services, along with the relatives of General Deshamanya Denis Perera.
