Sqn Ldr Noel Lokuge’s 90th B’day Honouring an aviator’s distinguished legacy

These pictures show memorable moments of Sqn Ldr Noel Lokuge’s 90th birthday celebrations which were held recently

A highlight of the celebration was a pictorial presentation chronicling Squadron Leader Lokuge’s early life and illustrious career

Family members and close friends offered brief yet heartfelt speeches, adding a personal touch that resonated with all present

This celebration was more than a birthday, it was a tribute to a lifetime of honor, pride, and service. Squadron Leader Lokuge’s story continues to inspire, exemplifying the enduring values of commitment and excellence that define the Sri Lanka Air Force

On December 24, 2025, the family of Squadron Leader Noel Lokuge hosted a graceful luncheon at Cinnamon Red, Colombo, celebrating a remarkable milestone, his 90th birthday. The occasion served as a heartfelt tribute to a life defined by unwavering dedication to the Sri Lanka Air Force and the field of aviation.

The distinguished gathering was graced by Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, accompanied by his spouse. Further enhancing the significance of the occasion was the presence of a former Commander and the Chief of Staff, who stood alongside his immediate family—including his grandchildren and relatives—as well as veteran colleagues and close associates, all united in honouring a life defined by distinguished service.

Meticulously arranged by his children, the venue echoed the dignity and solemn pride befitting the occasion. Guests were welcomed to a sumptuous luncheon and fine beverages, setting the stage for heartfelt camaraderie, shared reminiscence, and thoughtful reflection.
A highlight of the celebration was a pictorial presentation chronicling Squadron Leader Lokuge’s early life and illustrious career, spanning decades of service and contributions to aviation. Honouring the past through modern means, a generative AI film depicting his historic ejection was showcased, symbolizing the meeting of innovation and legacy.

Family members and close friends offered brief yet heartfelt speeches, adding a personal touch that resonated with all present. This celebration was more than a birthday, it was a tribute to a lifetime of honor, pride, and service. Squadron Leader Lokuge’s story continues to inspire, exemplifying the enduring values of commitment and excellence that define the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Further, I would like to share my remarks delivered on this momentous occasion;

“Some lives are lived on the ground, but a rare few take wing and never descend.”

“Today, we gather to celebrate such a life that of Noel Harold Lokuge, fondly known to his close friends as “Loku.” He turns 90 today, a life that has soared as high as the aircraft he so brilliantly commanded.

Noel was born in Ratnapura, educated at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, and grew up in Bolgoda. His passion for flying began early with a Tiger Moth experience at the Royal Colombo Flying Club, inspiring his entry into the Royal Ceylon Air Force at sixteen in 1951.

In July 1951, Noel embarked on a bold voyage aboard the P & O Ranchi with twelve fellow Ceylonese apprentices bound for the United Kingdom. After twenty-four days at sea, he arrived ready to shape his destiny, beginning his training at RAF Halton as an aircraft fitter. By age seventeen, his determination had earned him a British Gliding 

License, and he further expanded his skills by obtaining a Private Pilot’s License at the Wiltshire School of Flying in Salisbury.

From the skies of Salisbury back to the heart of Ceylon, Noel carried with him not just licences, but a vision for the future of aviation in his homeland in 1954, he was qualified as a junior technician and was posted to RCyAF Katunayake. In 1957, he was selected as a Flight Cadet, and began flying Chipmunk aircraft, progressing to advanced training on the Balliol. In 1959, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer alongside his peers N. R. Rahim R. O. M. Paul, and C. F. Marshal.

As his career advanced, Noel was trained as a Flying Instructor at the Central Flying School, RAF Little Rissington. Subsequently, he served as a Qualified Flying Instructor and General Duties Officer at Katunayake and China Bay. He further commanded No. 3 Squadron and the Standards and Examination Wing, training generations of pilots. The list of pilots Sqn Ldr Loku trained includes ACM Oliver Ranasinghe, who later became the Commander of the SLAF.

His expertise extended across nearly every aircraft in the RCyAF inventory, from the Chipmunk and Balliol to the DC-3, Convair 440, and multiple types of helicopters. He was renowned as a confident aerobatic and formation pilot, performing regularly in air displays and fly pasts.

On 1st February 1960, young Noel’s courage and skill were tested when a BAC Jet Provost suffered a flameout over the Negombo Lagoon. Displaying extraordinary composure, he safely ejected, becoming the first Sri Lankan to do so from a jet aircraft. For this rare feat, he was inducted into the exclusive Ejection Tie Club as a Life Member, Membership No. 57, a fraternity whose membership is earned not by application, but by survival under the most extreme circumstances. This club was founded by Sir James Martin and now led by his grandson Andrew Martin, the Club confers a distinctive tie, to be worn with civilian attire, symbolizing the bond shared by those who have trusted their lives to an ejection seat.

In 1971, Sqn Ldr Loku rose to the challengeof mastering the Russian KA-26 helicopter on a crash training course. The KA 26 was totally different to the Bell Jet Ranger flying characteristics. However, Sqn Ldr Loku provide vital support flying during the insurrection.

Further, a rare expertise remains with Sqn Ldr Loku, whilst in the Air Force, two Convair 440s were registered in the Maldives as AM101 and AM102 and were ferried by him with Captain Don Bullock (an American ferry pilot) and ACM Paddy Mendis. Squadron Leader Sakyasena Athukorale, a SLAF engineering officer with some flying experience, was also the co-pilot of the flight in segments of the ferry. A total of 62 flying hours with no autopilot and flying all the time manually maintaining the track, navigating with no GPS and the old-fashioned method of working out trackson the Dalton Dead Reckoning Computer with a circular slide rule used primarily for “dead reckoning. Interestingly, the flight route was over the notorious Bermuda Triangle, where numerous ships and aircraft have been reported to disappear under unusual circumstances.

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1976, Sqn Ldr Loku continued to serve with distinction as Adviser/Chief Pilot for the Maldivian Government. Further he flew Air Maldives aircraft whilst being the President’s pilot. After he returned from Maldives in 1986 he later became Principal and Chief Flying Instructor at Upali Aviation School, sharing his extraordinary knowledge with the next generation of aviators.

Sqn Ldr Loku’s four decade flying career spanned twenty-six types of aircraft, including fixed-wing planes, turboprops, jets, and helicopters. A testament to his unparalleled skill, dedication, and passion for aviation. His story is one of daring, determination, and mastery of the skies, from his first flight at sixteen to commanding squadrons and earning a place in aviation history.

Just as he guided countless pilots through the skies, he guided his family with love, devotion, and unwavering strength. Sqn Ldr Loku carries the cherished memory of his beloved soulmate, Shiranee, who passed away in 2020. Today, he continues to be surrounded by the love and companionship of his children, Kshama, Romesh, Ishantha, and Indu, who remain devotedly close by his side in Sri Lanka. He is also lovingly embraced by the enduring support of his in laws and the joy of his grandchildren. Just as he steadied aircraft through turbulence, he steadied his family with love and strength.

Today, as Squadron Leader Noel Lokuge celebrates 90 remarkable years, we honour not only a living legend but a pioneer whose extraordinary aviation journey continues to inspire generations. 

His life reminds us that true trailblazers never land—they remain aloft in spirit, guiding us with their example. He soared as high as the aircraft he so brilliantly commanded, and he stands forever as a beacon of courage, skill, and unwavering dedication. Thank you.”

 (The writer is the President Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers Director Charisma Energy & WKV Group, Senior Fellow South Asia Foresight Network and Formerly Commander Sri Lanka Air Force, Ambassador to Afghanistan)

Note: (Acknowledgement: Material courtesy of Reminiscence, shared with the gracious permission of Sqn Ldr Lokuge and encompasses published accounts of his career in the media, together with selected photographs/posts from his official FB page)

From left:  Officer Cadets N.R.  Rahim, O.M. Paul, N.H. Lokuge and R.C.F. Marshall