SLAF HONOURS THE 75-YEAR LEGACY ABOVE THE CLOUDS
The Sri Lanka Air Force hosted its traditional reception in celebration of 75 years of distinguished and honorable service to the nation. This proud legacy has been built through the dedication, sacrifice and commitment of the sons and daughters of Sri Lanka, who have selflessly placed the country above all else. The celebration took place yesterday (03 March 2026) at the Eagles’ Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall in Attidiya.
The event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), who attended as the Chief Guest. The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), also attended as the Guest of Honour. They were accompanied by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, and the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe.
Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, the venue was adorned with Chipmunk aircraft. The celebration commenced with the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake.
Following the cake cutting, the SLAF 75th Anniversary Theme Song was officially launched by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, together with the Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Roshan Gunathilake, and former Commander, Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody. The song, with original lyrics penned by the Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera and Squadron Leader Gayan Joseph, was entirely conceptualized, composed, produced and performed by the SLAF personnel, including the vocal performance.
Subsequently, the Commander of the Air Force gifted the first copies of the commemorative coffee table book titled “Legacy Above Clouds” to the Chief Guest, the Guest of Honour and other distinguished dignitaries. This was followed by a toast proposed by the Commander of the Air Force.
The Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Roshan Gunathilake, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, along with their spouses, were also in attendance. Other distinguished guests included past Commanders of the Air Force, retired senior officers, Members of the Air Force Board of Management and their spouses, foreign dignitaries, and a cross-section of serving officers and other ranks.
The event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), who attended as the Chief Guest. The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), also attended as the Guest of Honour. They were accompanied by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, and the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe.
Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, the venue was adorned with Chipmunk aircraft. The celebration commenced with the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake.
Following the cake cutting, the SLAF 75th Anniversary Theme Song was officially launched by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, together with the Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Roshan Gunathilake, and former Commander, Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody. The song, with original lyrics penned by the Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera and Squadron Leader Gayan Joseph, was entirely conceptualized, composed, produced and performed by the SLAF personnel, including the vocal performance.
Subsequently, the Commander of the Air Force gifted the first copies of the commemorative coffee table book titled “Legacy Above Clouds” to the Chief Guest, the Guest of Honour and other distinguished dignitaries. This was followed by a toast proposed by the Commander of the Air Force.
The Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Roshan Gunathilake, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, along with their spouses, were also in attendance. Other distinguished guests included past Commanders of the Air Force, retired senior officers, Members of the Air Force Board of Management and their spouses, foreign dignitaries, and a cross-section of serving officers and other ranks.
