DEPUTY MINISTER DEFENCE VISITS AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS
11:52am on Friday 14th February 2025
Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) made his inaugural visit to the Air Force Headquarters yesterday (13 February 2025) following his appointment as the Deputy Minister Defence. Upon his arrival, the the Deputy Minister was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Sri Lanka Air Force Colour Wing. The Deputy Minister received a warm welcome from the Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Sri Jayewardenepura, Air Commodore Manoj Galappaththi.
Subsequently, the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe extended a cordial welcome to the Deputy Minister at the Air Force Headquarters and introduced him to the members of the Air Force Board of Management. Following this introduction, the Deputy Minister was escorted to the Commander's office, where they engaged in fruitful discussions. To commemorate this significant occasion, plaques were exchanged between the Deputy Minister Defence and the Commander of the Air Force.
The visit continued with an overview briefing on the Sri Lanka Air Force, delivered by the Base Commander of SLAF Base Ratmalana, Air Commodore Asela Jayasekara. Subsequently, the Deputy Minister of Defence engaged in a discussion with SLAF Base Commanders and Station Commanding Officers via an online platform. This was followed by a meeting with the members of the Colombo Air Symposium (CAS) Secretariat, during which key operational and administrative matters were deliberated.
Thereafter, the Director General of Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera, conducted a comprehensive presentation on SLAF Air Operations. Following that, the Deputy Minister toured various directorates at Air Force Headquarters, gaining further insights into the organization’s operational and administrative functions.
The visit concluded with the Deputy Minister addressing the service personnel of the Sri Lanka Air Force. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of all service members working to their fullest potential for the betterment of the nation. The Deputy Minister also advised all members to minimize expenditure, dedicate themselves in fullest to the nation while upholding and respecting the country’s culture. Furthermore, he admired the Sri Lanka Air Force’s contribution to national development. Following his address, he engaged in a cordial discussion with the officers, airmen and civilian employees in the Headquarters.
Subsequently, the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe extended a cordial welcome to the Deputy Minister at the Air Force Headquarters and introduced him to the members of the Air Force Board of Management. Following this introduction, the Deputy Minister was escorted to the Commander's office, where they engaged in fruitful discussions. To commemorate this significant occasion, plaques were exchanged between the Deputy Minister Defence and the Commander of the Air Force.
The visit continued with an overview briefing on the Sri Lanka Air Force, delivered by the Base Commander of SLAF Base Ratmalana, Air Commodore Asela Jayasekara. Subsequently, the Deputy Minister of Defence engaged in a discussion with SLAF Base Commanders and Station Commanding Officers via an online platform. This was followed by a meeting with the members of the Colombo Air Symposium (CAS) Secretariat, during which key operational and administrative matters were deliberated.
Thereafter, the Director General of Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera, conducted a comprehensive presentation on SLAF Air Operations. Following that, the Deputy Minister toured various directorates at Air Force Headquarters, gaining further insights into the organization’s operational and administrative functions.
The visit concluded with the Deputy Minister addressing the service personnel of the Sri Lanka Air Force. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of all service members working to their fullest potential for the betterment of the nation. The Deputy Minister also advised all members to minimize expenditure, dedicate themselves in fullest to the nation while upholding and respecting the country’s culture. Furthermore, he admired the Sri Lanka Air Force’s contribution to national development. Following his address, he engaged in a cordial discussion with the officers, airmen and civilian employees in the Headquarters.
