Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) graced the induction ceremony of the Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft held yesterday (12) at the SLAF base in Ratmalana as the chief guest.

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, . Paul Stephens, and Commander, Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB), Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, were also present at the induction ceremony. The aircraft was recently handed over to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) by the Australian government.

Commander of SLAF Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa received the distinguished guests on their arrival at the venue.

The ceremony saw the new aircraft being welcomed with a water salute. Later, the Defence Secretary along with the Australian High Commissioner and Rear Admiral Sonter, accompanied by the Commander of SLAF, inspected the aircraft.

Speaking at the event, Defence Secretary expressed his sincere gratitude to the government and people of Australia for the extraordinary contribution to Sri Lanka’s national security. He further mentioned that the recent induction will enhance the capabilities of the SLAF while symbolising the deep and enduring friendship between two nations.

“The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art systems, including a Pro Line II Avionics Package and FLIR Star Safire HD Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system that greatly enhance our maritime surveillance capabilities. With its impressive endurance, this aircraft will allow us to patrol our vast maritime zones more effectively, ensuring better surveillance and security.” he said.

The gift of the aircraft is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening and enhancing the cooperation and collaboration that is the foundation of the strong bilateral relationship between Australia and Sri Lanka.

A key focus of this relationship remains the continued cooperation on countering all forms of transnational crime, including drug smuggling, as well as strengthening border management through intelligence sharing and the deterrence, disruption, interception, and return of maritime people smuggling ventures under the border security operation known as Operation Sovereign Borders.

Senior Air Force officers, Australian embassy officials, and other distinguished invitees were also present at the ceremony.

Defence Secretary also had a special meeting with the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Paul Stephens, Commander JATF-OSB Rear Admiral Sonter, accompanied by Australian Defence Advisor Colonel Amanda Johnston at the Defence Ministry prior to the induction ceremony this morning.