SLAF TAKES PRIDE IN THE 78TH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Today marks the 78th anniversary of our nation gaining independence from colonial rule. This year’s National Independence Day celebrations were held under the theme of "Let’s Build Sri Lanka" at Independence Square today (04 February 2026).
Under the able leadership of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the Guardians of the Skies proudly participated in the Independence Fly Past and the ceremonial march past this year. A total of three SLAF helicopters, 62 officers, 521 airmen and airwomen on the foot column participated in the ceremonial march past.
The arrival of the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marked the commencement of the celebrations. The Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, Ministers, Chief Justice, the Governor of the Western Province, Deputy Ministers, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Tri-Services Commanders, Inspector General of the Police, Diplomats and other distinguished dignitaries graced the occasion.
The National Flag was hoisted by the President amidst the beating of "Magul Bera" and blowing of conch shells, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by school children. Later, the three service Commanders and the Inspector General of the Police accompanied the President to the special dais, opposite which school girls recited Jayamangala Gatha to invoke blessings of the noble Triple Gem on the Nation and also the "Devo Vassatu Kalena" to bless the Nation.
Director General Air Operations of the SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias, was the overall operations commander of the Independence Day Fly Past, which included one Bell 212 Helicopter and two Bell 412 Helicopters. The Bell 212 Helicopter was captained by Group Captain Rasanka Wijewardena, while the Bell 412 Helicopters were captained by Squadron Leader Nirmal Perera and Squadron Leader Dileep Meegahakumbura. The Fly Past was navigated by Wing Commander Rukshan Gamlakshage.
The overall operations commander on the ground during the ceremonial march past was Director General Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima and the overall parade coordinator was Wing Commander Asela Vithana, Staff Officer Ground VI of the Directorate of Ground Operations.
The Base Commander SLAF Base Ratmalana, Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera, joined as the Air Force Contingent Commander for the parade. The SLAF Ceremonial March was commanded by Wing Commander Prabath Senevirathna, which comprised five Squadrons, while Squadron Leader Gayan Joseph commanded the Air Force Ceremonial Band. The first squadron was commanded by Squadron Leader Aruna Wickramasinghe, the second by Squadron Leader Nuwan Hindagoda and the third squadron, which was made up of airwomen, was commanded by Squadron Leader Harshani Saputhanthri.
Next, the Special Airborne Force Squadron led by Wing Commander Sumedha Ritigala presented their salute to the President, followed by the Regiment Special Force Squadron, which marched under the leadership of Wing Commander Romesh Bastiyan.
The Chief of Staff of the SLAF, members of the Air Force Board of Management and Senior Officers participated in the National Independence Day celebrations.
Following the conclusion of the celebrations at Independence Square, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe proceeded to SLAF Base Ratmalana, where he participated in the customary group photograph with all the pilots who flew for the Independence Day Fly Past, as well as all other officers who supported this operation.
Under the able leadership of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the Guardians of the Skies proudly participated in the Independence Fly Past and the ceremonial march past this year. A total of three SLAF helicopters, 62 officers, 521 airmen and airwomen on the foot column participated in the ceremonial march past.
The arrival of the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marked the commencement of the celebrations. The Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, Ministers, Chief Justice, the Governor of the Western Province, Deputy Ministers, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Tri-Services Commanders, Inspector General of the Police, Diplomats and other distinguished dignitaries graced the occasion.
The National Flag was hoisted by the President amidst the beating of "Magul Bera" and blowing of conch shells, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by school children. Later, the three service Commanders and the Inspector General of the Police accompanied the President to the special dais, opposite which school girls recited Jayamangala Gatha to invoke blessings of the noble Triple Gem on the Nation and also the "Devo Vassatu Kalena" to bless the Nation.
Director General Air Operations of the SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias, was the overall operations commander of the Independence Day Fly Past, which included one Bell 212 Helicopter and two Bell 412 Helicopters. The Bell 212 Helicopter was captained by Group Captain Rasanka Wijewardena, while the Bell 412 Helicopters were captained by Squadron Leader Nirmal Perera and Squadron Leader Dileep Meegahakumbura. The Fly Past was navigated by Wing Commander Rukshan Gamlakshage.
The overall operations commander on the ground during the ceremonial march past was Director General Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima and the overall parade coordinator was Wing Commander Asela Vithana, Staff Officer Ground VI of the Directorate of Ground Operations.
The Base Commander SLAF Base Ratmalana, Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera, joined as the Air Force Contingent Commander for the parade. The SLAF Ceremonial March was commanded by Wing Commander Prabath Senevirathna, which comprised five Squadrons, while Squadron Leader Gayan Joseph commanded the Air Force Ceremonial Band. The first squadron was commanded by Squadron Leader Aruna Wickramasinghe, the second by Squadron Leader Nuwan Hindagoda and the third squadron, which was made up of airwomen, was commanded by Squadron Leader Harshani Saputhanthri.
Next, the Special Airborne Force Squadron led by Wing Commander Sumedha Ritigala presented their salute to the President, followed by the Regiment Special Force Squadron, which marched under the leadership of Wing Commander Romesh Bastiyan.
The Chief of Staff of the SLAF, members of the Air Force Board of Management and Senior Officers participated in the National Independence Day celebrations.
Following the conclusion of the celebrations at Independence Square, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe proceeded to SLAF Base Ratmalana, where he participated in the customary group photograph with all the pilots who flew for the Independence Day Fly Past, as well as all other officers who supported this operation.
