SRI LANKA AIR FORCE MARKS 75TH ANNIVERSARY WITH CEREMONIAL AND COMMUNITY EVENTS IN MINUSCA
The 11th Contingent of the Sri Aviation Unit deployed in the Central African Republic under MINUSCA proudly celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force with a series of memorable and meaningful events.
The celebrations commenced on 02 March 2026 with a Ceremonial Parade commanded by Wing Commander HMSM Hearath and inspected by the Contingent Commander, Group Captain Asiri Pathirage. During the parade, two officers, Flight Lieutenant Poornima Anurangi and Flight Lieutenant MU Chandrasena, were presented with Letters of Appreciation in recognition of their dedication and technically proficient contribution to the third in-house TBO Life Extension Programme of the SMH 4424 Mi-171E helicopter. The event was followed by religious observances and an All-Ranks Breakfast.
On the following day, a friendly Elle match was organised among the contingent members, promoting teamwork, morale and unity. In the evening, a fellowship gathering was held at the contingent premises, attended by senior appointments from the UN Sector East Headquarters, staff officers and neighbouring Contingent Commanders.
In line with the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force and International Women’s Day, a Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) community engagement programme was conducted at Mbarou Village, a rural community located approximately 23 kilometres from the Bria city centre, on 04 March 2026. The programme aimed to enhance personal hygiene, wellbeing and good health among women in the local community.
Notably, the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe, generously contributed towards the success of this event.
The celebrations commenced on 02 March 2026 with a Ceremonial Parade commanded by Wing Commander HMSM Hearath and inspected by the Contingent Commander, Group Captain Asiri Pathirage. During the parade, two officers, Flight Lieutenant Poornima Anurangi and Flight Lieutenant MU Chandrasena, were presented with Letters of Appreciation in recognition of their dedication and technically proficient contribution to the third in-house TBO Life Extension Programme of the SMH 4424 Mi-171E helicopter. The event was followed by religious observances and an All-Ranks Breakfast.
On the following day, a friendly Elle match was organised among the contingent members, promoting teamwork, morale and unity. In the evening, a fellowship gathering was held at the contingent premises, attended by senior appointments from the UN Sector East Headquarters, staff officers and neighbouring Contingent Commanders.
In line with the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force and International Women’s Day, a Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) community engagement programme was conducted at Mbarou Village, a rural community located approximately 23 kilometres from the Bria city centre, on 04 March 2026. The programme aimed to enhance personal hygiene, wellbeing and good health among women in the local community.
Notably, the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe, generously contributed towards the success of this event.
