SLAF COMMANDER ATTENDS 81ST ANNIVERSARY OF SLESA
The 81st Anniversary Celebration of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association (SLESA) was held yesterday (28 September 2025) at the Grand Maitland Reception Hall, Colombo. The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe along with a distinguished gathering of retired Tri-Forces Commanders, senior officers, Ministry of Defence officials and members of the Association, attended the event.
Welcoming the invitees, the President of SLESA, Lieutenant Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya (Retd), expressed his gratitude to all service personnel for their continued support.
The Secretary Defence, in his address, acknowledged the leadership and sacrifices of the Tri-Forces in eradicating terrorism and commended the invaluable service of retired and fallen war heroes. He further emphasized the importance of using veterans’ knowledge and experience to guide the youth towards building a patriotic and disciplined nation, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of retired personnel, differently-abled war heroes and families of the fallen.
The ceremony also saw the awarding of Meritorious Service Medals, 'Lifetime Achievement' insignia and honorary awards to several distinguished members of the Association.
The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe along with a distinguished gathering of retired Tri-Forces Commanders, senior officers, Ministry of Defence officials and members of the Association, attended the event.
Welcoming the invitees, the President of SLESA, Lieutenant Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya (Retd), expressed his gratitude to all service personnel for their continued support.
The Secretary Defence, in his address, acknowledged the leadership and sacrifices of the Tri-Forces in eradicating terrorism and commended the invaluable service of retired and fallen war heroes. He further emphasized the importance of using veterans’ knowledge and experience to guide the youth towards building a patriotic and disciplined nation, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of retired personnel, differently-abled war heroes and families of the fallen.
The ceremony also saw the awarding of Meritorious Service Medals, 'Lifetime Achievement' insignia and honorary awards to several distinguished members of the Association.
