A total of 917 recruits from the 139th Regular and 97th Volunteer Course and 58 trainees from the 20th Regular Airwomen courses passed out today (30 October 2009) at SLAF station Diythalawa after completing 17 weeks of challenging training. The training focused on drill, weapon training, tactics, field craft, map reading, fire fighting, explosive handling, Humanitarian Law, Air Force Law and Combat First Aid.

The Parade was commanded by Squadron Leader AN Wijayasiriwarda, Officer Commanding Training whilst Parade Adjutant was Flight Lieutenant HKYU Somawansa and Flight Sergeant Athapaththu acting as the Parade Warrant Officer.

The personnel passing out also displayed their newly learnt skills on foot drill and military tactics. In addition a band display made the event more colorful.

The Chief Guest for this special occasion was Air Commodore RJ Pathirage B.Sc(Eng), C.Eng, MIE (SL).