In a momentous display of military tradition and pride, the Commissioning and Flying Brevet Awarding Parade of the Sri Lanka Air Force was held this morning, 16 October 2026, at the SLAF Academy, China Bay. The parade saw young Officer Cadets and Lady Officer Cadets officially joining the Sri Lanka Air Force to shoulder the noble duty of protecting the nation's skies. 

The day’s proceedings began with the Commissioning and Flying Brevet Awarding Parade commanded by Group Captain Chamil Hettiarachchi. During the ceremony, a total of 43 Officers were commissioned, comprising 29 Officer Cadets and 14 Lady Officer Cadets. These newly commissioned officers represented the the No. 65, No. 67, and No. 69 SLAF Officer Cadets’ Intakes, the No. 21 Lady Officer Cadets’ Intake and No. 37, No. 39, and No. 40 Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Intakes. Furthermore, a Flying Officer from the 39th KDU Intake was awarded his prestigious Flying Brevet (Wings) during the proceedings. 

Adding much glamour to the event, the Sri Lanka Air Force Ceremonial Band and the Colour Wing presented a spectacular drill display. SLAF paratroopers conquered the skies, executing a thrilling parachute display while creating magnificent formations high above. The day's proceedings were further embellished by a spectacular formation flypast and an awe-inspiring aerobatic show conducted by the No. 01 Flying Training Wing. 

This glamorous passing-out ceremony was witnessed by the Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera and members of the Air Force Board of Management, the Commandant of the SLAF Academy China Bay, Air Vice Marshal Amal Perera, along with other senior Officers and Other Ranks of Sri Lanka Air Force. The event also welcomed Officers from the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, and Police, as well as a large gathering of proud parents and family members of the newly commissioned Officers. 

During the ceremony, special awards were presented to the Officer Cadets and Lady Officer Cadets who demonstrated exceptional performance. 

Special Award Winners:

•    Award of Flying Brevet: Flying Officer PV Binadith 
•    Best Officer Cadet of the General Duties Pilot Branch (Sword of the Eagle): Pilot Officer RMHK Rathnayake 
•    Best All-Round Officer Cadet (Sword of Honour): Pilot Officer HGWD Jayarathna 
•    Best Officer Cadet of the Operations Air Branch: Pilot Officer YMDP Bandara 
•    Best Officer Cadet of the Aeronautical Engineering Branch: Pilot Officer MBM Uyara 
•    Best Officer Cadet of the Information Technology Engineering Branch: Pilot Officer BP Sachintha 
•    Best Officer Cadet of the Regiment Branch: Pilot Officer THK Mendis 
•    Best Officer Cadet of the Logistics Branch: Pilot Officer SR Alexander 
•    Best Officer Cadet of the Administrative Branch: Pilot Officer HGWD Jayarathna