SLAF HOLDS ANNUAL CHRISTIAN COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE 2025 TO HONOUR FALLEN HEROES
The Annual Air Force Christian Commemorative Service, where the Air Force remembers and appreciates those who laid down their lives in the name of service and the nation, was held at St. Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya, today (29 July 2025) under the auspices of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe and the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe. The entire event was organized by the Directorate of Welfare and coordinated by SLAF Station Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
The Deputy Chief of Staff of the SLAF, members of the Air Force Board of Management, a cross-section of officers with their families, other rankers, civilian staff and family members of those who sacrificed their lives in action to preserve the sovereignty of the nation participated in the service.
The ceremony commenced with bagpipers leading the officiating clergy to the altar. Christian clergy representing all major sects of the Christian faith participated in the service, invoking divine blessings on the Commander of the Air Force and all members so that they may continue to protect and defend the skies above Sri Lanka. Air Vice Marshal Gihan Senaviratne delivered the welcome address. Wing Commander Sameera Jayamanne read the Prayer of Dedication, while Squadron Leader Dishani Moraes conducted the First Reading in Sinhala and Leading Aircraftwoman Anne Swapna CV conducted the Second Reading in Tamil.
A distinctive feature of the service was the Blessing of the Flags, where flags representing the Air Force Academy and all Bases and Stations of the SLAF were marched up to the altar and blessings were invoked on them and the establishments they represented by His Lordship Right Rev. Dr. JD Anthony Jayakody. A scroll containing the names of all who laid down their lives in the line of duty was also offered and consecrated.
The Deputy Chief of Staff of the SLAF, members of the Air Force Board of Management, a cross-section of officers with their families, other rankers, civilian staff and family members of those who sacrificed their lives in action to preserve the sovereignty of the nation participated in the service.
The ceremony commenced with bagpipers leading the officiating clergy to the altar. Christian clergy representing all major sects of the Christian faith participated in the service, invoking divine blessings on the Commander of the Air Force and all members so that they may continue to protect and defend the skies above Sri Lanka. Air Vice Marshal Gihan Senaviratne delivered the welcome address. Wing Commander Sameera Jayamanne read the Prayer of Dedication, while Squadron Leader Dishani Moraes conducted the First Reading in Sinhala and Leading Aircraftwoman Anne Swapna CV conducted the Second Reading in Tamil.
A distinctive feature of the service was the Blessing of the Flags, where flags representing the Air Force Academy and all Bases and Stations of the SLAF were marched up to the altar and blessings were invoked on them and the establishments they represented by His Lordship Right Rev. Dr. JD Anthony Jayakody. A scroll containing the names of all who laid down their lives in the line of duty was also offered and consecrated.
