SLAF USHERS IN THE NEW YEAR 2026
On the first working day of 2026, the SLAF Headquarters ceremonially marked the commencement of the New Year with its First Working Day programme. The event was held under the patronage of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, and was attended by members of the Air Force Board of Management, all officers, other ranks and civilian staff.
The programme commenced with the observance of two minutes of silence to honour and remember the Heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. This was followed by the reading of the Government Service Pledge by the Commander of the Air Force.
Subsequently, the Commander delivered his New Year’s Address, which was live streamed to all SLAF establishments island-wide. During his address, the Commander extended warm wishes to all SLAF personnel and their families as the Service prepares to celebrate its 75th Anniversary this year, marking a historic milestone since its establishment in 1951.
In his address, the Commander paid tribute to the visionary leaders and pioneers who laid the foundation of the Sri Lanka Air Force over the past 75 years. He also remembered with deep respect all Air Force personnel who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of the nation and expressed his gratitude to their families for their unwavering support.
Reflecting on the past year, the Commander commended the professionalism, resilience, and dedication displayed by SLAF personnel in overcoming numerous challenges. Special appreciation was extended for the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations conducted in response to Cyclone “Ditwa,” during which Air Force personnel worked in close coordination with civil authorities to rescue affected communities and provide essential assistance. These efforts received widespread recognition both locally and internationally.
The Commander reaffirmed that maintaining the trust placed in the Sri Lanka Air Force by the citizens of Sri Lanka remains a fundamental responsibility, particularly during national emergencies and natural disasters.
Looking ahead to 2026, he emphasized that the Sri Lanka Air Force must continue to serve not only as the guardian of the Sri Lankan skies but also as a key contributor to national development efforts. He highlighted the importance of supporting government initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” and “Ratama Ekata,” while strengthening collaboration with other public and private sector institutions.
Outlining his vision for the future, the Commander stressed the importance of enhancing modern technological capabilities and developing human resources as the Air Force’s most valuable asset. He noted that the induction of new aircraft during the past year and the forthcoming induction of TH-57 (Bell-206 military version) helicopters will further strengthen operational readiness and pilot training capabilities.
Emphasizing that the future strength of the SLAF lies in quality rather than quantity, the Commander called upon all personnel to maintain high professional standards and to nurture the next generation of Air Force members through excellence in training, professionalism and leadership.
Special New Year wishes were extended to members of the SLAF Peacekeeping Contingent serving overseas, particularly those deployed in the Central African Republic.
Following the Commander’s address, the official 75th Anniversary logo of the Sri Lanka Air Force was ceremonially unveiled by the Commander of the Air Force. Thereafter, cash prizes were awarded to the designers of the SLAF 75th Anniversary logo and the SLAF 75th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp in recognition of their creative contribution. The Commemorative Stamp was designed by Wing Commander Thilina Gardiarachchi, while the 75th Anniversary Logo was designed by Squadron Leader Tharindu Maddage.
The event concluded with a multi-religious ceremony, a longstanding tradition of the Sri Lanka Air Force, bringing together members of different faiths to invoke blessings for the well-being, unity and success of the entire Air Force and its personnel throughout the year 2026.
The programme commenced with the observance of two minutes of silence to honour and remember the Heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. This was followed by the reading of the Government Service Pledge by the Commander of the Air Force.
Subsequently, the Commander delivered his New Year’s Address, which was live streamed to all SLAF establishments island-wide. During his address, the Commander extended warm wishes to all SLAF personnel and their families as the Service prepares to celebrate its 75th Anniversary this year, marking a historic milestone since its establishment in 1951.
In his address, the Commander paid tribute to the visionary leaders and pioneers who laid the foundation of the Sri Lanka Air Force over the past 75 years. He also remembered with deep respect all Air Force personnel who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of the nation and expressed his gratitude to their families for their unwavering support.
Reflecting on the past year, the Commander commended the professionalism, resilience, and dedication displayed by SLAF personnel in overcoming numerous challenges. Special appreciation was extended for the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations conducted in response to Cyclone “Ditwa,” during which Air Force personnel worked in close coordination with civil authorities to rescue affected communities and provide essential assistance. These efforts received widespread recognition both locally and internationally.
The Commander reaffirmed that maintaining the trust placed in the Sri Lanka Air Force by the citizens of Sri Lanka remains a fundamental responsibility, particularly during national emergencies and natural disasters.
Looking ahead to 2026, he emphasized that the Sri Lanka Air Force must continue to serve not only as the guardian of the Sri Lankan skies but also as a key contributor to national development efforts. He highlighted the importance of supporting government initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” and “Ratama Ekata,” while strengthening collaboration with other public and private sector institutions.
Outlining his vision for the future, the Commander stressed the importance of enhancing modern technological capabilities and developing human resources as the Air Force’s most valuable asset. He noted that the induction of new aircraft during the past year and the forthcoming induction of TH-57 (Bell-206 military version) helicopters will further strengthen operational readiness and pilot training capabilities.
Emphasizing that the future strength of the SLAF lies in quality rather than quantity, the Commander called upon all personnel to maintain high professional standards and to nurture the next generation of Air Force members through excellence in training, professionalism and leadership.
Special New Year wishes were extended to members of the SLAF Peacekeeping Contingent serving overseas, particularly those deployed in the Central African Republic.
Following the Commander’s address, the official 75th Anniversary logo of the Sri Lanka Air Force was ceremonially unveiled by the Commander of the Air Force. Thereafter, cash prizes were awarded to the designers of the SLAF 75th Anniversary logo and the SLAF 75th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp in recognition of their creative contribution. The Commemorative Stamp was designed by Wing Commander Thilina Gardiarachchi, while the 75th Anniversary Logo was designed by Squadron Leader Tharindu Maddage.
The event concluded with a multi-religious ceremony, a longstanding tradition of the Sri Lanka Air Force, bringing together members of different faiths to invoke blessings for the well-being, unity and success of the entire Air Force and its personnel throughout the year 2026.