SLAF LAUNCHES HISTORICAL PUBLICATION ‘ROYAL WINGS OVER CEYLON’
5:14pm on Tuesday 21st January 2025
The SLAF made a special commemoration of its rich aviation legacy today, (21 January 2025), with the launch of its latest historical publication, ‘Royal Wings Over Ceylon'. The event, held at the Air Force Museum – SLAF Base Ratmalana, was graced by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, as the Chief Guest and the Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, Ms. Lisa Whanstall, as the Guest of Honour. This milestone publication highlights the early years of air power in Sri Lanka during the Royal Air Force era, which paved the way for the establishment of the Royal Ceylon Air Force in 1951.
The event began with a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and an introductory speech highlighting the significance of the publication.
Following that, a co-author and member of the editorial board, Squadron Leader Rehan Goonetileke, introduced the publication, detailing its aim to preserve the nation’s aviation heritage. A diplomatic historian and former Sri Lankan diplomat, Dr. George Cooke, a further enriched the ceremony with a detailed review of the book, emphasizing its value in understanding the historical ties between Sri Lanka and the Royal Air Force.
The ceremonial launch of the publication was the highlight of the event. The first copy of ‘Royal Wings Over Ceylon' was presented by the Editor-in-Chief, Air Commodore Poojana Gunatilake and Air Secretary, Air Commodore Dushan Wijesinghe, to the Commander of the Air Force. This was followed by the second copy being ceremonially handed over to the Guest of Honour, Ms. Lisa Whanstall, who also received a memento in appreciation of her presence.
Distinguished Defence Advisors and Attachés from diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka were also presented copies of the publication, which included Defence Advisor of the Australian High Commission, Colonel Amanda Johnston, Defence Advisor of the Bangladesh High Commission, Commodore Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Defence Advisor of the Chinese High Commission, Senior Colonel Joe, Defence Attaché at the Japanese Embassy, Captain Yuki Yokohari, Defence Advisor at the Maldives High Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Amir, Defence Advisor at the Pakistan High Commission,Colonel Muhammad Farooq and Deputy Chief, Office of Defence Cooperation at the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, Major Elizabeth Hewett.
The event concluded with the Commander of the Air Force presenting a token of appreciation to Dr. George Cooke for his invaluable review and contributions to the occasion.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, members of the Board of Management, Commandant, Base Commanders, Commanding Officers, Mr. Dishan Joseph, a renowned top-class journalist who initiated this research and all other officers.
The event began with a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and an introductory speech highlighting the significance of the publication.
Following that, a co-author and member of the editorial board, Squadron Leader Rehan Goonetileke, introduced the publication, detailing its aim to preserve the nation’s aviation heritage. A diplomatic historian and former Sri Lankan diplomat, Dr. George Cooke, a further enriched the ceremony with a detailed review of the book, emphasizing its value in understanding the historical ties between Sri Lanka and the Royal Air Force.
The ceremonial launch of the publication was the highlight of the event. The first copy of ‘Royal Wings Over Ceylon' was presented by the Editor-in-Chief, Air Commodore Poojana Gunatilake and Air Secretary, Air Commodore Dushan Wijesinghe, to the Commander of the Air Force. This was followed by the second copy being ceremonially handed over to the Guest of Honour, Ms. Lisa Whanstall, who also received a memento in appreciation of her presence.
Distinguished Defence Advisors and Attachés from diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka were also presented copies of the publication, which included Defence Advisor of the Australian High Commission, Colonel Amanda Johnston, Defence Advisor of the Bangladesh High Commission, Commodore Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Defence Advisor of the Chinese High Commission, Senior Colonel Joe, Defence Attaché at the Japanese Embassy, Captain Yuki Yokohari, Defence Advisor at the Maldives High Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Amir, Defence Advisor at the Pakistan High Commission,Colonel Muhammad Farooq and Deputy Chief, Office of Defence Cooperation at the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, Major Elizabeth Hewett.
The event concluded with the Commander of the Air Force presenting a token of appreciation to Dr. George Cooke for his invaluable review and contributions to the occasion.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, members of the Board of Management, Commandant, Base Commanders, Commanding Officers, Mr. Dishan Joseph, a renowned top-class journalist who initiated this research and all other officers.
