The press briefing was held today (18 February 2026) at Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters with the participation of Printing, Electronic and Digital Media partners to officially inform the media of the forthcoming 75th Anniversary celebrations and the series of related events scheduled to take place in 2026. The briefings were attended by Acting Director Media, Wing Commander Sanjeewa Nanayakkara and were moderated by SLAF Media Spokeswoman, Squadron Leader Yvonne Witharana.

The gathering provided an opportunity to share details of the commemorative programmes while strengthening collaboration with media institutions that continue to play a vital role in disseminating information to the public. 

SLAF 75th Anniversary and Way Forward

The first briefing on the SLAF 75th Anniversary and the Way Forward was chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Gihan Senevirathne. 

During the session, the anniversary programme and the strategic direction of the SLAF were outlined. Aircraft fleet enhancement plans were highlighted, including the induction of 10 Bell 206 TH-57 helicopters, along with ongoing upgrades to the existing aircraft fleet to strengthen operational capability and readiness.

75th Anniversary Exhibition and Air Display

The second briefing was on the SLAF 75th Anniversary Celebration Exhibition and Air Display, which will be held on 7, 8 and 9 March 2026 at SLAF Base Ratmalana. The briefing was chaired by Director General Planning, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva and joined by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Base Commander SLAF Base Ratmalana, Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera.

The three-day programme will feature an air show and an educational exhibition showcasing aeronautical and technical knowledge. The entrance ticket price has been fixed at Rs. 200 per individual, while schoolchildren attending in school uniform will be granted concessionary tickets at Rs. 50 per head.

27th Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya

The 27th Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya briefing was chaired by the Chairman of Air Force Cycling and Director General Aeronautical Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Indika Wickremasinghe. The prestigious cycling event is scheduled to take place on 27, 28 February and 1 March 2026, with the participation of both local and international competitors. Cyclists from India, Russia and the United Arab Emirates are expected to compete, elevating the competitive standard of the race and strengthening international sporting ties.

The event is organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Cycling Federation, adhering to both national and international standards. The primary objective of the competition is to promote cycling in Sri Lanka while encouraging greater competitive participation among cyclists.

The men’s race will be conducted in three stages. The first stage on 27 February will commence from Negombo and conclude in Puttalam, covering a distance of 127.5 kilometers. The second stage on 28 February will proceed from Puttalam to Dambulla, spanning 139.9 kilometers. The final stage on 1 March will begin in Dambulla and finish at Defence Headquarters, Akuregoda, covering 141.7 kilometers. The women’s race is scheduled to take place on 1 March from Meerigama to Defence Headquarters, Akuregoda.

Among those present at the briefing were Secretary Air Force Cycling, Group Captain Chamil Hettiarachchi, Secretary Air Force Sports Council, Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, Headquarters Sports Officer of the Sports Development Department, Mr. DM Anura, Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Mr. Matheesha Samaranayake, Chief Operating Officer of Verus Analytics (Pvt) Ltd, Mr. Vimukthi Chathuranga and General Manager Group Corporate Communications of Abans Group, Mr. Dhianushka Kurukulasuriya.

Following the briefing, sponsorship cheques were symbolically handed over to the Chairman of Air Force Cycling by the main sponsors, official sponsors and co-sponsors. The Official Team Sponsor, Cosmic Technologies Pvt Ltd, was represented by its CEO, Mr. Dilruwan Rajapakse. The Official Hospitality Partner, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, was represented by Deputy Director Mr. Masitha De Thabrew. The Official Insurance Partner, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, was represented by Manager Marketing Communications Mr. Buddika Doranegama, while the Official Banking Partner, Bank of Ceylon, was represented by Assistant General Manager Western Province Central Mr. DKR Delgoda.

The event also received support from several co-sponsors, including Unilever Sri Lanka through its Lifebuoy brand, Asian Paints Causeway, Metropolitan Technologies, the National Lotteries Board, Maliban Biscuit Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd through its Vitagen brand and CEAT Kelani Holdings.

The official media partners for the 27th Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya are Sirasa TV and TV 1, ensuring extensive live coverage and highlights of the event across the country. 

Commander’s Cup Golf 2026

The briefing for the Commander’s Cup Golf Tournament was chaired by Air Commodore Erandika Gunewardene, Chairman of Air Force Golf.

The tournament is scheduled to take place on 20 and 21 February 2026 at Eagles’ Golf Links and Courses, China Bay. Both local and international golfers, including male and female participants, have already registered to compete for the coveted trophy. Conducted for the 13th consecutive time, the event marks another significant milestone in its continued growth and success, further strengthening its reputation as a prestigious fixture in the golfing calendar.

The tournament will feature a display of skill, sportsmanship and competitive spirit as participants vie for the Commander’s Cup. 

“Symphony of Wings” Musical Concert

The final briefing focused on the “Symphony of Wings” musical concert organized by the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit. It was chaired by Chairman Organizing Committee and Director General Constructions Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Vajira Senadeera and attended by Secretary Organizing Committee, Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, Secretary SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Wing Commander Lilangi Randeni and Commanding Officer Performing Arts Wing, Squadron Leader Gayan Joseph. 

The concert is scheduled to be held on 28 March 2026 from 7.00 pm onwards at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre. Ticket prices have been categorized according to seating arrangements, with the Standard Category priced at Rs. 3,000, the Gold Category at Rs. 5,000, the Premium Category at Rs. 7,500 and the VIP Category at Rs. 10,000. Online tickets are available through Tickets Ministry, and further reservations can be made by contacting Archana on 0777 595100. Individuals who purchase concert tickets valued at Rs. 5,000 and above will be entitled to complimentary entrance to the 75th Anniversary Exhibition and Air Display at SLAF Base Ratmalana.