SLAF APPOINTS FIRST COMMANDING OFFICER FOR NEWLY ESTABLISHED PERFORMING ARTS WING
9:41pm on Sunday 29th December 2024
The Commander of the Air Force has appointed Squadron Leader GV Joseph as the first Commanding Officer of the newly established Performing Arts Wing at SLAF Base Katunayake and the letter of appointment was handed over by the Director Performing Arts, Group Captain Jayaratna Amarasinghe, at the SLAF Headquarters Sri Jayewardenepura yesterday (28 December 2024).
Inaugurated in 1970, twelve talented airmen transitioned from various professions to embrace their new roles as musicians. This pivotal decision marked the official acknowledgement of music's essential place within the Air Force and was administered under the Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment with Pilot Officer MGS Bartholomeus as the first Officer in Charge.
In 1981, with its gradual growth, the Band established their very own Beat Band and the Dancing Team in 1988 and was taken into command at SLAF Base Katunayake. Commander Premalal Danwatte was inducted to the Air Force in the rank of Wing Commander where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the musicality of the Air Force Band.
The SLAF Band was officially established on 23 January 2006 as an independent unit, complete with its own flag and logo, and guided by the motto SEWAYATA JEEWAYAK. Squadron Leader MC Amarasinghe was appointed as its first Commanding Officer, heralding a new era for the cherished ensemble.
In 2017, the Sri Lankan Air Force Band was inaugurated as the Directorate of Performing Arts at SLAF Base Katunayake. Subsequently, on 01 January 2024, the Division was established at Air Force Headquarters, Sri Jayewardenepura, under the leadership of Director Performing Arts, Group Captain Jayaratna Amarasinghe.
Inaugurated in 1970, twelve talented airmen transitioned from various professions to embrace their new roles as musicians. This pivotal decision marked the official acknowledgement of music's essential place within the Air Force and was administered under the Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment with Pilot Officer MGS Bartholomeus as the first Officer in Charge.
In 1981, with its gradual growth, the Band established their very own Beat Band and the Dancing Team in 1988 and was taken into command at SLAF Base Katunayake. Commander Premalal Danwatte was inducted to the Air Force in the rank of Wing Commander where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the musicality of the Air Force Band.
The SLAF Band was officially established on 23 January 2006 as an independent unit, complete with its own flag and logo, and guided by the motto SEWAYATA JEEWAYAK. Squadron Leader MC Amarasinghe was appointed as its first Commanding Officer, heralding a new era for the cherished ensemble.
In 2017, the Sri Lankan Air Force Band was inaugurated as the Directorate of Performing Arts at SLAF Base Katunayake. Subsequently, on 01 January 2024, the Division was established at Air Force Headquarters, Sri Jayewardenepura, under the leadership of Director Performing Arts, Group Captain Jayaratna Amarasinghe.
