The Change of Command of SLAF Base Vavuniya was held yesterday (14 August 2026). The traditional Handing Over/Taking Over Parade was conducted at the Base, where the outgoing Base Commander, Group Captain RMCJK Ratnayake RSP, USP, MSc (Mgt), MSc (Mil Stu), Pg Dip (Def Mgt), psc, qfi, handed over the command to Air Commodore NK Thanippuliarachchi RWP, RSP and Two Bars, USP, MMSc (Strat Stu), MSc (Def & Strat Stu), Pg Dip (Def Mgt), fndu (China), fawc (USA), LFCPM, psc.

Air Commodore Thanippuliarachchi previously held the appointment of Chief Instructor at the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Sapugaskanda, before being appointed as the Base Commander SLAF Base Vavuniya.