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SLAF to take off in grand style for 73rd anniversary
View(s):- SLAF Commander asks everyone to join hands for childrens’ welfare programmes
By Dilushi Wijesinghe
The Sri Lanka Air Force is marking its 73rd Anniversary with a string of events, including religious events and welfare projects.
SLAF Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa briefed the media about the proposed projects and events. Head of the Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Muditha Mahawattage, Media Director of SLAF, Dushan Wijesinghe, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) Dr. V. K. Vignesh, and Governor of CCIY, T. Y. Sundearasan, were present at the event.
SLAF Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa
Air Marshal Rajapaksa said that 73 selected schools in Jaffna, Mullativu, and Kilinochchi will be developed with the approval of the Education Ministry. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 100 million.
The ‘Magen Pothak Uthuata’ programme looks to donate 73,000 Tamil and English books to the schools in North with an estimated budget of 25 million.
73,000 plants will also be planted as part of the programme.
With multi-religious ceremonies, the Anniversary, which falls on March 2, will begin with a parade. On March 1, a Pichcha flower offering will be held at the Maligawa in Kandy.
The SLAF cycle parade will take place for the 25th year from March 3–7. The usual three-day parade will be extended to four this year. The parade will begin in front of the Presidential Secretariat, head to Kandy, Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Trinco, and Vavuniya, and end in Jaffna. Cyclists from countries such as India and Nepal will also participate. The male parade will cover a distance of 650 km, while the female parade will cover 100 km.
Musical shows will also be held in Polonnaruwa, Trinco, Vavuniya, and Jaffna.
The final matches of the Air Force commander’s cup soccer friendship challenge trophy will see participants from four districts and will be held from March 6–8 at the Durayappa Stadium in Jaffna.
The ‘Air Tattoo’ educational, technical exhibition and sale will be held from March 6–10 at the Muttraweli Grounds from 10 a.m. onwards.
Schools across the island have been invited to exhibit at a stall, along with private and government universities.
Dog shows and drill displays will also be part of the event lineup.
Funds from the exhibition will go to the Wings of Friendship programme, and will be used for the future education needs of children, said Air Marshal Rajapaksa.
An aircraft engine will be presented to the University of Jaffna for training purposes.
“Apart from this, another educational exhibition fair and a carnival will be held in Port City from May 30 to June 2 with international aircraft displays. “The Indian Air Force has promised to send some aircraft for displays, and other countries have expressed their willingness to participate,” Air Marshal Rajapaksa said.
He invited sponsors to donate funds and books for the Magen Pothak Uthurata ‘ programme.
“During the past few years, we have based the events in Colombo, but this time, through our ‘Wings of Friendship’ programme, we have decided to join the South and North,” said Media Director Wijesinghe. The Wings of Friendship programme will take place at the Muttraweli Grounds in Jaffna.
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