“DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT” – BRINGING HOPE AND HAPPINESS TO THE CHILDREN OF THANNEYAYA PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Sri Lanka Air Force Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) celebrated World Children’s Day 2026 through “Dreams Take Flight,” a special initiative conducted on 09 and 10 October 2026 to bring joy, inspiration and unforgettable experiences to children from a remote and economically disadvantaged community in Badalkumbura, Monaragala District.
The programme was initiated under the approval of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), and organised under the guidance of the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe, with the support and encouragement of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe. The initiative reflected the Sri Lanka Air Force’s continued commitment to social responsibility and the wellbeing of the younger generation.
Recognising the importance of providing children with opportunities to explore the world beyond their familiar surroundings, the SVU identified a suitable school through information obtained from the Ministry of Education. Thanneyaya Primary School in Badalkumbura was subsequently selected following a field visit to assess the children’s living and educational conditions and the facilities available at the school, ensuring that the initiative reached a deserving community.
For the children, the journey to Colombo was much more than a recreational excursion. It was an opportunity to discover new horizons and experience possibilities beyond their everyday lives. Their visit included some of Colombo’s prominent landmarks, including Port City Colombo and the iconic Lotus Tower, introducing them to the country’s modern development and architectural marvels. A memorable city tour aboard a double-decker bus offered a unique perspective of the bustling commercial capital, while an array of recreational activities at Excel World Entertainment Park filled their day with excitement, laughter and happiness.
One of the most remarkable highlights of the programme was an aircraft ride arranged by the Sri Lanka Air Force. For children who may have only dreamed of flying, the experience brought the world of aviation within reach, inspiring them to look beyond familiar horizons and imagine a future filled with opportunities. Their stay at SLAF Base Katunayake further enriched the experience, with meals and accommodation provided by the Air Force, alongside an opportunity to observe aircraft movements at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Beyond the destinations visited and activities enjoyed, the true value of “Dreams Take Flight” lay in the smiles it created, the memories it nurtured and the inspiration it instilled in the hearts of these young minds. The initiative provided the children with a sense of belonging and encouragement, reminding them that their aspirations matter and that their dreams deserve every opportunity to grow.
Through this heartwarming initiative, the Sri Lanka Air Force Seva Vanitha Unit reaffirmed its commitment to extending care and compassion beyond the realm of service, reaching out to communities in need and investing in the hopes and aspirations of the next generation.
Because sometimes, changing a child’s world begins with a single unforgettable experience—and the realisation that even the biggest dreams can take flight.
The programme was initiated under the approval of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), and organised under the guidance of the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe, with the support and encouragement of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe. The initiative reflected the Sri Lanka Air Force’s continued commitment to social responsibility and the wellbeing of the younger generation.
Recognising the importance of providing children with opportunities to explore the world beyond their familiar surroundings, the SVU identified a suitable school through information obtained from the Ministry of Education. Thanneyaya Primary School in Badalkumbura was subsequently selected following a field visit to assess the children’s living and educational conditions and the facilities available at the school, ensuring that the initiative reached a deserving community.
For the children, the journey to Colombo was much more than a recreational excursion. It was an opportunity to discover new horizons and experience possibilities beyond their everyday lives. Their visit included some of Colombo’s prominent landmarks, including Port City Colombo and the iconic Lotus Tower, introducing them to the country’s modern development and architectural marvels. A memorable city tour aboard a double-decker bus offered a unique perspective of the bustling commercial capital, while an array of recreational activities at Excel World Entertainment Park filled their day with excitement, laughter and happiness.
One of the most remarkable highlights of the programme was an aircraft ride arranged by the Sri Lanka Air Force. For children who may have only dreamed of flying, the experience brought the world of aviation within reach, inspiring them to look beyond familiar horizons and imagine a future filled with opportunities. Their stay at SLAF Base Katunayake further enriched the experience, with meals and accommodation provided by the Air Force, alongside an opportunity to observe aircraft movements at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Beyond the destinations visited and activities enjoyed, the true value of “Dreams Take Flight” lay in the smiles it created, the memories it nurtured and the inspiration it instilled in the hearts of these young minds. The initiative provided the children with a sense of belonging and encouragement, reminding them that their aspirations matter and that their dreams deserve every opportunity to grow.
Through this heartwarming initiative, the Sri Lanka Air Force Seva Vanitha Unit reaffirmed its commitment to extending care and compassion beyond the realm of service, reaching out to communities in need and investing in the hopes and aspirations of the next generation.
Because sometimes, changing a child’s world begins with a single unforgettable experience—and the realisation that even the biggest dreams can take flight.
1st Day |
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2nd Day |
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