The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa declared open the newly constructed Eagles' Cricket Pavilion at SLAF Base Katunayake today (05 November 2024). This concept was originally envisioned during his tenure as Base Commander and the project was realized under his leadership as Commander of the Air Force, specifically in his capacity as President of the Air Force Sports Council, with invaluable financial assistance from the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Construction commenced on 04 May 2024 and was carried out by skilled airmen from the Civil Engineering Wing at SLAF Base Katunayake, under the supervision of Director General Construction Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Chandana Geethapriya. The pavilion features seating for over one hundred spectators, a fully equipped dressing room and upgraded amenities for match officials, enhancing the sporting facilities available at the Base.

In appreciation of the efforts made to improve SLAF Cricket infrastructure, the Chairman of SLAF Cricket, Air Vice Marshal Chaminda Wickremaratne presented mementos to both the Commander of the Air Force and the Senior Manager Women’s Cricket Operation of Sri Lanka Cricket, Wing Commander Migara Perera (Retd) on behalf of the Chairman SLC. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Wickremaratne, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Suresh Fernando, members of the Air Force Board of Management, the acting Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Vice Marshal Rajinth Jayawardena, Secretary Air Force Sports Council, Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, as well as the officials of the Sri Lanka Cricket which included, the Senior Managers Anti-corruption Unit, Wing Commander Thejaka Wanigasekara (Retd) and SSP Kolitha Sibera (Retd).