Trincomalee: The No 3 Maritime Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force received the prestigious President’s Colour as a mark of recognition for its significant contributions to the Sri Lanka Air Force and the nation. The honour was presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a grand ceremony, the Presidents’ Colour Awarding and Commissioning Parade, held at the SLAF Academy in China Bay, Trincomalee.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake was welcomed by Air Force Commander, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).

The ceremony also included the Commissioning Parade for various Officer Cadet Intakes, including No. 66, 67, and 68, as well as the No. 20 Lady Officer Cadet Intake and the No. 38 and 39 Kotelawala Defence University Cadet Intake. A total of 66 Officer Cadets were commissioned as Pilo
t Officers, and four Flight Cadets from the No. 103 Flying Cadets Course received the Flying brevet. Officers who excelled during their training were acknowledged with special awards and trophies.

This accolade marks the 14th time the SLAF has been awarded Presidential Colours. The event was attended by notable figures such as Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilake, Eastern Province Governor Hon. Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, Commanders of the Army and Navy, Senior DIG East, senior tri forces officers, state officials, and the families of the newly commissioned officers.