
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL UDENI RAJAPAKSA BIDS ADIEU TO THE SRI LANKA AIR FORCE
6:02am on Wednesday 29th January 2025
The 19th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, ceremonially handed over command to Air Vice Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, culminating his more than 36 years of illustrious service to the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Nation yesterday (28 January 2025), at Air Force Headquarters.
The outgoing Commander addressed the entire Air Force for the very last time. During his speech, he expressed his deepest gratitude to all the members of the Sri Lanka Air Force for their support extended during his tenure.
At the conclusion of the day's proceedings, the outgoing Commander, Air Chief Marshal Rajapaksa, handed over the ceremonial baton to the next in command, symbolizing the change of command in the Sri Lanka Air Force. The occasion was attended by members of the Air Force Board of Management, as well as officers and other ranks at Air Force Headquarters and SLAF Station Sri Jayewardenepura, who paid their final salute.
Following the ceremonial parade, the customary Dining-Out was held at the Officers' Mess of SLAF Base Katunayake. This event was organized to honour the service of Air Chief Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and his wife, Mrs. Enoka Rajapaksa. In the Air Force tradition, it is customary to ceremonially dine out with the outgoing Air Chief. At the end of the event, the outgoing Commander seated in a SIAI-Marchetti aircraft and towed away from the Officers' Mess, symbolizing his departure from the Air Force.
Parade and farewell addressThe outgoing Commander addressed the entire Air Force for the very last time. During his speech, he expressed his deepest gratitude to all the members of the Sri Lanka Air Force for their support extended during his tenure.
At the conclusion of the day's proceedings, the outgoing Commander, Air Chief Marshal Rajapaksa, handed over the ceremonial baton to the next in command, symbolizing the change of command in the Sri Lanka Air Force. The occasion was attended by members of the Air Force Board of Management, as well as officers and other ranks at Air Force Headquarters and SLAF Station Sri Jayewardenepura, who paid their final salute.
Following the ceremonial parade, the customary Dining-Out was held at the Officers' Mess of SLAF Base Katunayake. This event was organized to honour the service of Air Chief Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and his wife, Mrs. Enoka Rajapaksa. In the Air Force tradition, it is customary to ceremonially dine out with the outgoing Air Chief. At the end of the event, the outgoing Commander seated in a SIAI-Marchetti aircraft and towed away from the Officers' Mess, symbolizing his departure from the Air Force.
Handing Over of ceremonial baton
Traditional Dining -Out