SLAF celebrates 70 years as guardians of Sri Lanka's air space

Colombo (News 1st); The guardians of Sri Lanka’s air space, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is celebrating its 70th anniversary today (Mar 2). In order to coincide with the celebrations 7,757 Sri Lanka Air Force personnel have been promoted. Sri Lanka Air Force said 467 officers and 7,290 other ranks were thus promoted. An array of events has been organized including a ceremonial fly past, aerobatics display and the award of President’s Colours to the No. 5 Fighter and No. 6 Helicopter Squadrons of the SLAF to mark the 70th anniversary. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjFUtsqa_U8[/embed] Established on March 2, 1951 as the Royal Ceylon Air Force, the Air Force was renamed as the Sri Lanka Air Force with the country becoming a republic in 1972. The SLAF had been commanded by 17 Commanders during the past 70 years and it is geared to face all challenges of the future and to serve and protect the skies of Sri Lanka as the ‘Guardians of the Skies’. Tremendous performances of the SLAF have led to mitigating numerous threats from the terrorists during the period of conflict. Their contribution to the dawn of peace in concluding the battle was immense. As of today, SLAF also extends their supportive hands to various nation building projects amidst their routine operations. A total of 23 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircrafts and the Indian Navy arrived in Sri Lanka to participate in the grand scale Aerobatic Display organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force. The Sarang helicopter display team, Surya Kiran display team, Tejas Fighter Aircraft, Tejas Trainer and the Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also take part in the display at the Galle Face accordingly. The participation of IAF, Indian Navy aircraft and personnel at the SLAF anniversary day celebration is a symbolic gesture of friendly ties between the military of the two nations. The Sri Lanka Air Force Fly Past and Aerobatic Display will take place at Galle Face from 03rd to 05th March from 05 PM onwards.