Nation’s tribute to Air Force heroes who made tremendous sacrifices to safeguard the unity of the Motherland
· Primary responsibility of Armed Forces including Air Force is to ensure national security
-says President addressing Presidential Colour Awarding ceremony
COLOMBO “ Two flying squadrons of the Air Force were honoured by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with the award of the Presidential Colour in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution to the nation.
President Rajapaksa said that we should pay the nation’s tribute to the members of the Air Force who made tremendous sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, in ensuring peace in our nation.
He said that maintaining the security of the nation is the primary responsibility of the Armed Forces, including the Air Force.
The President made these remarks addressing the Presidential Colour Awarding ceremony held at Air Force Base Katunayake, today (05).
The President presented colours to the No. 05 Fighter Jet Squadron and the No 06 Transport Helicopter Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force, which have a proud history of over seven decades, under the theme ‘Protecting the Lankan Skies’ (‘Surakimu Lakambara’).
The Presidential Colour Award is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any unit of the armed forces by Commander-in-Chief. With this, the Sri Lanka Air Force has been awarded 13 Presidential Colours.
The President pointed out that sincere international cooperation that recognizes and values our shared humanity will help us to successfully face many of the threats in this present era that cut across national boundaries. “It underscores the need for the utmost preparedness in a complex, dynamic and continually challenging global environment,” the President said.
President Rajapaksa appreciated the presence of representatives of several friendly foreign Air Forces and said, “Their presence is a testament to the friendly ties between our nations, and it reaffirms the importance of sustaining and strengthening these bonds”.
After the awards ceremony, the President inspected C-130 Squadron Nos. 02 and 05 at Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Katunayake.
The President also observed the Indian Air Force aircrafts and posed for a group photo with the pilots.
The book written by Air Commander Commodore Channa Dissanayake on the theme “70 years of Air Power of Sri Lanka Air Force” was presented to the President.
Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana presented a memento to the President.
After posing for a photo with the Air Force Board of Directors, the President made a note in the Sri Lanka Air Force Special Guest Book.
Western Province Governor Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, Defence Secretary Retired General Kamal Gunaratne, Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana, IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, Air Chiefs and delegations from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the US Pacific Air Forces and their family members participated on this occasion.
Following is the full text of the speech made by His Excellency President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Colours Awarding Parade of the Sri Lanka Air Force- March 5, 2021.
