The ‘Standard’ is the paramount accolade a military establishment could receive in its life span. For the first time in the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), the ‘Standards’ were presented to 21 establishments and formations that have been in existence over 15 years and are engaged in operational and supporting duties either within or outside of an operational area.
Standards are presented to the fighting formations, which include operational flying squadrons, operational regiment squadrons, and operational support formations.
The recipients of the formation standards have contributed to safeguard the country in many situations, including high-intensity conflict, disaster relief operations, medical and casualty evacuations, surveillance and reconnaissance, and ground support for the combat troops.
Twelve Air Force establishments, 02 flying formations and 07 other formations of SLAF were honoured by Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana with the awarding of the Formation Standards in a spectacular parade held on Monday (24) at the SLAF Base in Katunayake.
The Chief Guest, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana was received by the Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa. The Standards Awarding Parade was commanded by Commandant SLAF Academy China Bay, Air Commodore Deshapriya Silva.
The parade comprised of three squadrons with nine flights.
Subsequent to the ceremonial proceedings, the Chief Guest delivered the speech to the parade, emphasizing the significance of upholding “Professionalism, Patriotism and Integrity” in the service.
Members of the Air Force Board of Management, Senior Officers and a cross-section of Other Ranks were also present at the occasion.
The following were bestowed with esteemed Standards due to the valiant efforts made by these establishments and formations, which have been saved countless military and civilian lives.
SLAF Establishments:
Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay, Sri Lanka Air Force Base Ratmalana, Sri Lanka Air Force Base Anuradapura, Sri Lanka Air Force Base Vavuniya, Sri Lanka Air Force Base Hingurakgoda, Sri Lanka Air Force Station Colombo, Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment Training School Vanni, Sri Lanka Air Force Station Palaly, Sri Lanka Air Force Station Ampara, Sri Lanka Air Force Station Batticaloa and Sri Lanka Air Force Station Morawewa
Flying Formations:
No. 3 Maritime Squadron - Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay and No.111 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron - Sri Lanka Air Force Base Vavuniya
Other Formations:
Aircraft Engineering Wing - Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, General Engineering Wing - SLAF Base Katunayake,Air Defence Command & Control Centre - Sri Lanka Air Force Station Mirigama,No 32 Land Based Air Defence Wing - SLAF Station Colombo, Regiment Special Forces Wing - Sri Lanka Air Force Station Morawewa, No. 46 Special Air Borne Force Wing - Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment Training School Vanni and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training School - SLAF Station Palavi.
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