BUDDHIST RELIGIOUS CEREMONY MARKS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SRI LANKA AIR FORCE AT THE TEMPLE OF THE SACRED TOOTH RELIC
A Buddhist religious ceremony organised to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) was held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy on 22 and 23 October 2026, with the participation of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe together with the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe.
On the evening of 22 October 2026, the Commander of the Air Force visited the Malwathu Maha Viharaya and received blessings from the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya. Subsequently, he visited the Asgiri Maha Viharaya and received blessings from the Most Venerable Warakagoda Dhammasiddhi Sri Pagnananda Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya.
Thereafter, the Commander of the Air Force proceeded to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, where he offered a Gilanpasa (medicinal beverages) pooja to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings. He also met with the Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Dr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela.
On the following day, a Sanghika Dana (alms-giving ceremony) was held for 75 Buddhist monks, with the participation of SLAF personnel, as part of the celebrations marking the 75th Anniversary of the Air Force. The offering included the presentation of Ashta Pariskara, the eight requisites of Buddhist monks.
During the visit, the Commander of the Air Force also inspected the firefighting team, vehicles and equipment deployed by the SLAF to ensure the safety and security of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
The Buddhist religious ceremony was organised by the Directorate of Welfare of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Special religious blessings were extended during the ceremony to commemorate those valiant individuals who laid down their lives for the motherland, as well as for the well-being of serving Air Force personnel and their families.
The event was attended by members of the Air Force Board of Management, senior officers, other ranks and family members of fallen SLAF war heroes.
On the evening of 22 October 2026, the Commander of the Air Force visited the Malwathu Maha Viharaya and received blessings from the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya. Subsequently, he visited the Asgiri Maha Viharaya and received blessings from the Most Venerable Warakagoda Dhammasiddhi Sri Pagnananda Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya.
Thereafter, the Commander of the Air Force proceeded to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, where he offered a Gilanpasa (medicinal beverages) pooja to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings. He also met with the Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Dr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela.
On the following day, a Sanghika Dana (alms-giving ceremony) was held for 75 Buddhist monks, with the participation of SLAF personnel, as part of the celebrations marking the 75th Anniversary of the Air Force. The offering included the presentation of Ashta Pariskara, the eight requisites of Buddhist monks.
During the visit, the Commander of the Air Force also inspected the firefighting team, vehicles and equipment deployed by the SLAF to ensure the safety and security of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
The Buddhist religious ceremony was organised by the Directorate of Welfare of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Special religious blessings were extended during the ceremony to commemorate those valiant individuals who laid down their lives for the motherland, as well as for the well-being of serving Air Force personnel and their families.
The event was attended by members of the Air Force Board of Management, senior officers, other ranks and family members of fallen SLAF war heroes.
First Day
