Sri Lanka Air Force 'The Best Air Force in the World'-Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Addressing the newly commissioned officers and passed out airmen at the SLAF Base China Bay today (Aug 21), Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa stated that the Sri Lanka Air Force compared to the rest of the world, could be rated as the best Air Force in operation.

"With limited resources and hi-tech machines, the Sri Lanka Air Force defeated the LTTE, purely using their knowledge, skills, and experience. It is the duty of the new officer and airmen to carry this pride of victory to the future unblemished, he further said.

Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the chief guest of the commission and wings parade of No: 50 intake officer cadets and passing out parade of No: 136 regular and No: 96 Volunteer Airmen initial recruit course, at SLAF Base Chain Bay, Trincomalee.

Sixteen officer, including six pilots, were commissioned at the event while 329 regular and volunteer Airmen passed out. Officer Cadet WKRPGS Dharmasiriwardana received the 'Sword of Honour' for his successful completion of the training.

Recruit USD Gunawardana was the best all round recruit of No:94 Volunteer intake of Airman, while Recruit DKT Luids was adjuged best all round recruit of the No:136 Regular intake of Airmen.

The Commander of the SLAF Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonatilake and a large number of senior and junior officers participated at the passing out parade. Parents, family members of the passed out officers and airmen were also among the gathered.

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