SLAF MARKS SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE WITH FIRST BATCH OF RE-MUSTERED OMT TRADESMEN
The Sri Lanka Air Force marked a significant milestone in its manpower development efforts with the Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the first batch of Operations Ground (Ops Grd) personnel re-mustered to the Operator Motor Transport (OMT) Trade. The ceremony was held on 07 September 2026 at SLAF Base Katunayake. This initiative is particularly significant as it revives the re-mustering process after a considerable period, serving as a focused and timely measure to address the prevailing shortage of OMT personnel within the SLAF. A total of 75 airmen successfully completed the conversion training programme, with 52 trained at SLAF Base Katunayake and 23 at SLAF Station Katukurunda. The programme equipped them with the essential knowledge, skills and professional competencies required to undertake their new responsibilities in the OMT Trade.
The ceremony was elevated by the distinguished presence of Air Vice Marshal Vajira Senadheera, Director General Ground Operations, and Air Commodore Chamdimal Hetiarachchi, Director General General Engineering, who graced the occasion as Guests of Honour. Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake Air Vice Marshal Amitha Jayamaha together with senior officers, staff officers, instructors, and other distinguished invitees, also attended the memorable event. The occasion formally recognised the successful completion of the conversion training and marked the beginning of a new professional journey for the re-mustered airmen. The programme was successfully conducted with the support of SLAF Base Katunayake and SLAF Station Katukurunda. The commitment and professionalism of the instructors and training staff were instrumental in developing the practical skills, safety awareness, discipline and professional standards expected of the newly re-mustered OMT tradesmen.
The successful implementation of this initiative stands as a testament to the collective commitment and close collaboration of the Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering, the Directorate of General Engineering and the Directorate of Ground Operations. Completion of this first phase reflects the SLAF’s continued commitment to optimising its existing human resources, developing professional competencies, and adopting innovative and sustainable approaches to address critical manpower requirements. For the 75 newly re-mustered OMT tradesmen, this milestone represents far more than the completion of a conversion training programme. It marks the beginning of a new professional identity, greater responsibility, and an opportunity to contribute directly to the operational readiness of the Sri Lanka Air Force as they embark on this new chapter in their service careers.
The ceremony was elevated by the distinguished presence of Air Vice Marshal Vajira Senadheera, Director General Ground Operations, and Air Commodore Chamdimal Hetiarachchi, Director General General Engineering, who graced the occasion as Guests of Honour. Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake Air Vice Marshal Amitha Jayamaha together with senior officers, staff officers, instructors, and other distinguished invitees, also attended the memorable event. The occasion formally recognised the successful completion of the conversion training and marked the beginning of a new professional journey for the re-mustered airmen. The programme was successfully conducted with the support of SLAF Base Katunayake and SLAF Station Katukurunda. The commitment and professionalism of the instructors and training staff were instrumental in developing the practical skills, safety awareness, discipline and professional standards expected of the newly re-mustered OMT tradesmen.
The successful implementation of this initiative stands as a testament to the collective commitment and close collaboration of the Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering, the Directorate of General Engineering and the Directorate of Ground Operations. Completion of this first phase reflects the SLAF’s continued commitment to optimising its existing human resources, developing professional competencies, and adopting innovative and sustainable approaches to address critical manpower requirements. For the 75 newly re-mustered OMT tradesmen, this milestone represents far more than the completion of a conversion training programme. It marks the beginning of a new professional identity, greater responsibility, and an opportunity to contribute directly to the operational readiness of the Sri Lanka Air Force as they embark on this new chapter in their service careers.
