SLAF celebrates 70th anniversary today

• 467 officers, 7290 other ranks promoted  
• The Royal Ceylon Air Force was established on March 2, 1951 with six officers and 21 other ranks

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Sri Lanka Air Force promoted 467 officers and 7,290 other ranks in view of the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) which is being celebrated today under the guidance and supervision of the present Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, a statement said.  

The history of the Air Force in Sri Lanka dates back to March 2, 1951 with the establishment of the Royal Ceylon Air Force.   
With the formation of the Republic of Sri Lanka on 22 May 1972, the Royal Ceylon Air Force was transformed into the Sri Lanka Air Force.  
The Royal Ceylon Air Force was established on March 2, 1951 with six officers and 21 other ranks. Currently the SLAF has 20 branches and 73 professions with 34,000 officers and other ranks.   The SLAF is celebrating its 70th anniversary as a fully-fledged technological force. Currently it has a fleet of fighter jets such as Kafir and F7 and aircraft AN 32, C130, MA 60, Y12 and helicopters such as the Bell 212, Bell 412, MI17, MI24.   
The formal Air Force Day will be celebrated at SLAF Base Katunayake today with the participation of all SLAF establishments.  

The Air Force Day parade will be held at Air Force Base Katunayake under the auspices of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana.  

A Presidential Colours Awarding Parade will also be held on 05th of March at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake where the Presidential Colours will be awarded to the No.05 Fighter Squadron and No. 06 Helicopter Squadron, in recognition of their outstanding service to the nation.  

In line with the 70th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Air Force, 23 aircraft of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy arrived for participation in the event with an Aerobatic Display which is to be held from March 3rd to 5th at the Galle Face Green. 

• 23 aircraft of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy arrived for  participation in the event with an Aerobatic Display which is to be  held from March 3rd to 5th at the Galle Face Green