SQUADRON LEADER RAINI BALASOORIYA ASSUMES DUTIES AS COMMANDING OFFICER OF WOMEN’S WING
Squadron Leader Raini Balasooriya assumed duties as the Commanding Officer of the Women’s Wing, Sri Lanka Air Force, on 03 September 2026, becoming the first Lady Officer to hold this appointment. In her new capacity, she is entrusted with providing leadership and direction to women personnel of the Sri Lanka Air Force, with responsibility for their discipline, welfare, professional development, training and career progression.
Squadron Leader Raini Balasooriya was born on 12 September 1991 and received her early education at Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha. She joined the Sri Lanka Air Force on 25 October 2011 as a Lady Officer Cadet of the 06th Intake and was enlisted into the Regiment Branch. She was promoted to her present rank of Squadron Leader on 25 April 2022.
Throughout her progressive career spanning 15 years of service, she has held a range of staff, training and administrative appointments at various SLAF establishments, gaining extensive experience in leadership, personnel management, administration and training. She has also successfully completed a number of professional, military and overseas courses, further broadening her knowledge and professional competencies.
As the first Lady Officer to serve as the Commanding Officer of the Women’s Wing, Squadron Leader Balasooriya is committed to further enhancing the professionalism, welfare and morale of Lady Officers and Airwomen, while supporting their professional development and career progression. Through her leadership, she will contribute towards strengthening the effectiveness of the Women’s Wing and its continued contribution to the operational readiness and overall mission of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Squadron Leader Raini Balasooriya was born on 12 September 1991 and received her early education at Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha. She joined the Sri Lanka Air Force on 25 October 2011 as a Lady Officer Cadet of the 06th Intake and was enlisted into the Regiment Branch. She was promoted to her present rank of Squadron Leader on 25 April 2022.
Throughout her progressive career spanning 15 years of service, she has held a range of staff, training and administrative appointments at various SLAF establishments, gaining extensive experience in leadership, personnel management, administration and training. She has also successfully completed a number of professional, military and overseas courses, further broadening her knowledge and professional competencies.
As the first Lady Officer to serve as the Commanding Officer of the Women’s Wing, Squadron Leader Balasooriya is committed to further enhancing the professionalism, welfare and morale of Lady Officers and Airwomen, while supporting their professional development and career progression. Through her leadership, she will contribute towards strengthening the effectiveness of the Women’s Wing and its continued contribution to the operational readiness and overall mission of the Sri Lanka Air Force.