DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA INSPECTS KA350 AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM SRI LANKA
11:42pm on Tuesday 3rd June 2025
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, the Hon. Richard Marles, arrived in Sri Lanka today (03 June 2025) for an official visit. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, was among the dignitaries present at Bandaranaike International Airport to bid farewell to the departing Deputy Prime Minister.
The Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Sunil Watagala, along with several senior government officials, participated in the ceremonial send-off.
The Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Sunil Watagala, along with several senior government officials, participated in the ceremonial send-off.
Prior to his departure, the Deputy Prime Minister made a special visit to inspect the recently gifted Beechcraft King Air 350, provided by the Government of Australia.
The Commander of the Air Force received him during the inspection and subsequently ushered him to the departure area. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister also engaged in cordial discussions with the Commander and aircrew members of the KA 350.
A Ceremonial Street Lining by the SLAF was accorded to the Deputy Prime Minister during his departure.
The occasion was also attended by Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva, Director General Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima, Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Commodore Asela Jayasekara and other officials.
The Commander of the Air Force received him during the inspection and subsequently ushered him to the departure area. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister also engaged in cordial discussions with the Commander and aircrew members of the KA 350.
A Ceremonial Street Lining by the SLAF was accorded to the Deputy Prime Minister during his departure.
The occasion was also attended by Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva, Director General Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima, Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Commodore Asela Jayasekara and other officials.
