Speaking at the occasion, the President noted that the Air Force was instrumental in achieving the victory in the war against the terrorism and it achieved that victory with a minimum number of civilian casualties during the final battles against the terrorists Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
President Rajapaksa said that the nation owed its gratitude towards the victorious forces and vowed that "The hard-fought victory achieved by the forces including the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) will not be sold out."
The week-long anniversary celebrations include an air show and an exhibition and carnival from March 2nd to March 8th at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base at Ratmalana.
The air show will feature air combat maneuvers and aerobatic displays by the SLAF and international teams, simulated air to ground attacks by jets and attack helicopters and simulated hostage rescue operation with SLAF Special Forces paratroopers and aircraft.
However, the Kfir 10 squadron fly past scheduled for Thursday (03) is unlikely to take place due to the tragic incident of a mid-air collision of two of the fighter jets during rehearsal on the eve of the anniversary celebrations.
The two Israeli-built Kfir fighters have apparently collided in mid-air killing one of the pilots, Flight Lieutenant Monath Perera and injuring the other pilot Squadron Leader Vajira Jayakody.
The general public can view aircraft, vehicles, and weaponry that had never been displayed before at the exhibition. Also displayed will be vintage aircraft and weaponry restored to working order. The exhibition will be opened to the general public from 3:00 p.m. today.
Additionally, there will be live bands, children's entertainment, rides and play areas, food and fireworks, the Air Force announced.
No comments:
Post a Comment