PRESIDENT CONFERS 14TH PRESIDENT’S COLOUR ON NO. 03 MARITIME SQUADRON AND PRESIDES OVER COMMISSIONING AND FLYING BREVETS AWARDING PARADE

It was a moment of utmost pride and glory for the Sri Lanka Air Force when it held the 14th President’s Colour Awarding and Commissioning and Flying Brevets Awarding Parade this morning (18 October 2025) at the SLAF Academy China Bay. The event was highlighted by the presentation of the President’s Colour to No. 03 Maritime Squadron, marking the 14th President’s Colour awarded to the Sri Lanka Air Force. This prestigious honour was bestowed in recognition of the Squadron’s distinguished service history, its decisive role in military operations, its continued commitment to safeguarding the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and its dedicated involvement in search and rescue as well as humanitarian assistance missions. The Commanding Officer of No. 03 Maritime Squadron, Group Captain Nishantha Seneviratne, received the President’s Colour, while Flight Lieutenant Manoj Alwis served as the Colour Bearer Officer.

The occasion also witnessed the Commissioning and Flying Brevets Awarding Parade of the No. 66, 67, and 68 Officer Cadets’ Intakes, the No. 20 Lady Officer Cadets’ Intake, and the No. 38 and 39 Kotelawala Defence University Intakes, comprising a total of 66 male and lady officers.

On the invitation of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, taking the salute at this historic event held at SLAF Academy China Bay. As a gesture marking the commencement of the proceedings, an aerial salute by an F-7 fighter jet was accorded to the Commander-in-Chief upon his arrival at the saluting dais.

The day’s proceedings commenced on a grand note with the Commissioning Parade, led by the Commanding Officer of the Ground Training Wing at SLAF Academy China Bay, Group Captain Lasantha Liyanahetti, marching onto the Parade Ground. The parade, which consisted of three squadrons, twelve flights, 14 President’s Colours and 20 Standards accorded a Ceremonial General Salute to the Chief Guest. The highlight of the event was the commissioning of 66 Officer Cadets and Lady Officer Cadets as Pilot Officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

This marked the culmination of nearly three years of intensive training and dedication by the officers representing various branches, namely General Duties Pilot, Operations Air, Regiment, Logistics, Administrative, IT Engineering and Provost. During the awarding of Flying Brevets and trophies for special achievements, four young officers received the prestigious Flying Brevets as military aviators of Sri Lanka.

Pilot Officer PDJA Wickremasinghe from the No. 20 Lady Officer Cadets’ Intake was awarded the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour', presented by Group Captain NR Raheem. The Sword of Honour is awarded to the officer cadet who has achieved the highest results in both academic and professional studies, demonstrating the best all-round performance throughout the course among all branches.

The prestigious ‘Sword of Eagle’, awarded to the best officer cadet of the General Duties Pilot Branch, was presented by Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. It was secured by Pilot Officer JMVP Jayasundara from the No. 67 Officer Cadets’ Intake.

Addressing the gathering, His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces commended the 66 officer for successfully completing a rigorous and disciplined training programme, marking a significant milestone in their lives. His Excellency emphasized that joining the Sri Lanka Air Force is both an honour and a responsibility, urging the newly commissioned officers to uphold the integrity, professionalism and reputation of the service at all times. He highlighted the vital role of the Air Force in safeguarding national airspace and maritime boundaries, countering illegal activities and providing critical assistance during national emergencies. Acknowledging the Air Force as a model of professionalism and integrity within the public service, the President expressed confidence that the new officers will serve with dedication, discipline and honour in protecting the sovereignty and security of the motherland.

Eventually, the newly commissioned officers marched out from the parade square, upholding the ultimate responsibility to face any challenge and serve the motherland with utmost loyalty, dedication and self-sacrifice. Four Cessna 150 aircraft flew overhead, adding splendour to the moment and wishing the young men and women from SLAF Academy China Bay great success and a bright future.

The Wings and Commissioning Parade was followed by a Band and Drill Display, a thrilling Aerobatic Display by the No. 1 Flying Training Wing and a Parachute Display by the SLAF Parachute Training School, Ampara, adding glamour and excitement to the day’s proceedings.

This prestigious ceremony was graced by Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, Governor of the Eastern Province Prof. Jayantha Lal Rathnasekara, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, Inspector General of Police Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, members of the Air Force Board of Management with their spouses, diplomats, senior military officers, other ranks, and the proud parents of the newly commissioned officers, who witnessed this memorable occasion at SLAF Academy China Bay.

Special Award Winners
Pilot Officer DRAMSD Bandara - Trophy for the best officer cadet in Provost Branch 
Pilot Officer RVD Gimhan - Trophy for the best officer cadet in Information Technology Engineering Branch 
Pilot Officer RGP Kulasooriya - Flight Lieutenant SVS Fernando Memorial Trophy for best officer cadet in Administrative Branch
Pilot Officer PDJA Wickremasinghe – Wing Commander HP Karunarathne Memorial Trophy for the best officer cadet in Logistics Branch 
Pilot Officer NHSS Thamuditha - Group Captain SNH Gunathilake Memorial Trophy for the best officer cadet in Operations Air Branch 
Pilot Officer CL Manawadu – Wing Commander  JE Peiris Memorial Trophy for the best officer cadet in Regiment Branch 

Sri Lanka Air Force stands as the sole gallant aerial force in the nation, skillfully projecting airpower over its airspace and supporting the operations of surface entities.

Contact Info
Air Force Headquarters, Defence Headquarters Complex, P.O Box 594, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka [email protected] +94 11 2343948

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