PASS OUT PARADE OF NO. 11 SLAF AVIATION CONTINGENT FOR UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
The Pass Out Parade of the No. 11 Contingent of the Aviation Unit assigned to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) took place today (23 December 2025) at SLAF Base Katunayake. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, took the salute as the parade was led by Group Captain Asiri Pathirage, the Contingent Commander of the 11th contingent.
The heli-deployment, comprising 22 officers (including two lady officers) and 88 airmen (including five airwomen), is scheduled to depart for the Central African Republic in the mid of January.
During the address to the parade, the Commander noted that the United Nations Headquarters has praised the Sri Lanka Air Force contingents stationed in the Central African Republic for their bravery, professionalism and dedication to duty. He emphasized that this accomplishment reflects the trust and confidence placed in the military forces of Sri Lanka by the international community, enhancing the nation's standing on the global stage. This mission is also anticipated to bring significant economic benefits to the country.
The parade was attended by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, members of the Air Force Board of Management, officers and airmen of SLAF Base Katunayake and most specifically, the beloved family members of the Aviation Contingent.
The heli-deployment, comprising 22 officers (including two lady officers) and 88 airmen (including five airwomen), is scheduled to depart for the Central African Republic in the mid of January.
During the address to the parade, the Commander noted that the United Nations Headquarters has praised the Sri Lanka Air Force contingents stationed in the Central African Republic for their bravery, professionalism and dedication to duty. He emphasized that this accomplishment reflects the trust and confidence placed in the military forces of Sri Lanka by the international community, enhancing the nation's standing on the global stage. This mission is also anticipated to bring significant economic benefits to the country.
The parade was attended by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, members of the Air Force Board of Management, officers and airmen of SLAF Base Katunayake and most specifically, the beloved family members of the Aviation Contingent.
