The Awarding Ceremony of Air Crew Qualification Insignia was held today (19 August 2025) at Air Force Headquarters, where the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Accordingly, Flight Engineer, Air Surveillance and Fighter Controller Brevets were awarded to the individuals who qualified for the respective training courses.

The awardees who received the Air Surveillance Brevets completed the training on B-200 and Y-12 aircraft at No. 03 Squadron, SLAF Academy China Bay. Notably, Flight Lieutenant JT Hewapathirana became the first recipient of the Air Surveillance Brevet among lady officers in the history of the SLAF.

Personnel who received Flight Engineer Brevets completed their respective trainings in No. 06 Squadron at SLAF Base Anuradhapura. In this category, Flight Lieutenant MWP Anurangi achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first lady officer in the SLAF to receive the Flight Engineer Brevet.

Meanwhile, the Fighter Controller Brevets awardees completed their respective training at Air Defence Command and Control Centre, SLAF Station Mirigama successfully. 

The ceremony was attended by Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva, Director General Aeronautical Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Gihan Senevirathna, Director General Electronics and Computer Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Asitha Hettiarachchi, Air Secretary, Air Commodore Priyamal Fernando, Director Air Traffic Services, Air Commodore Prabhath Dissanayake and other officials.

Recipients of Air Surveillance Brevets

Squadron Leader HMLC Wathupola
Flight Lieutenant KBG Ananda
Flight Lieutenant JT Hewapathirana

Recipients of Flight Engineer Brevets
Squadron Leader RJ Jayampathi
Flight Lieutenant MWP Anurangi

Recipients of Fighter Controller Brevets
Squadron Leader BRTM Bakmeedeniya
Squadron Leader LTD De Silva
Flight Lieutenant GGIR Jayarathne
Flight Lieutenant DMS Madushan
Flying Officer RMIP Rathnayake
Flying Officer MWSH Weerasinghe