AN-32 propellers, courtesy India

The longstanding ties between the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) have been a great source of strength for the intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction, over the past 2500 years. Extending such legacy of generosity and assistance, shared by both nations, have amply demonstrated that Indian Air Force has provided nearly 300 technical courses for the past 20 years for Officers and Airmen of Sri Lanka Air Force, as proof of this long standing defence cooperation, SLAF headquarters said.

On the culmination of the request made by commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, during the recently concluded Defence Dialogue between India and Sri Lanka, to enhance the operational capabilities of the military forces, GOI expressed its preliminary approval for the donation of two sets of AN-32 propellers from the Indian Air Force. On Tuesday (02 May 2023), it was made to witness the signing of the official documents to handover the two sets of AN-32 propellers to Sri Lanka Air Force by Chief of the Air Staff of Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Commander of the Air Force in an Acquisition Ceremony held at the No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron premises, in the SLAF Base, Katunayake. This assistance will be noteworthy to enhance the operational capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force, paving way to sustain the serviceability of the AN-32 aircraft fleet for operational requirements of transportation of passengers, cargo, air maintenance, scheduled services, and overseas operations.

The official plaques were exchanged between the visiting Indian Chief of the Air Staff and Commanding Officer of No 02 Squadron Group Captain Nuwan Welagedara to mark this admirable event of the Squadron’s history. After concluding the formalities, an interactive session was conducted with the graceful presence of Chief of the Air Staff and officers of the SLAF Base, Katunayake, which was followed by lunch. This event was attended by the Director General Aeronautical Engineering Air Vice Marshal Ranjith Senanayake, Base Commander SLAF Base Katunayake, officers and other ranks of the Base.