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Over 600 sorties during war

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No 05 Squadron celebrates 32nd anniversary

The No 5 Fighter Squadron, known as the “Black Drongos,” celebrates its 32nd Anniversary today (Feb 01).

It was born with the arrival of four Chinese F 7 BS fighters, one FT 7 B trainer, and two FT 5 trainers, on 1st February, 1991. The Squadron’s initial operations commenced from the SLAF Base, in Katunayake, but were soon shifted to SLAF China Bay, in 1994, as a measure of reducing the response time and to act promptly for operational requirements, during the war time. However, due to security concerns, it was later shifted back to its home base, at Katunayake ,in 1996.

As a measure of enhancing the No 5 Fighter Squadron’s Air Interdiction and specialized low-level strike capability six Russian MiG-27 and one MiG-23UB trainer were inducted to the Squadron in 2000.

2007 was a remarkable year for the SLAF and the No 5 Fighter Squadron, in terms of fleet enhancements. The modern F-7 GS, which is the advanced version of the F-7 BS, in relation to avionics, including an AI Radar, sophisticated weapons delivery system, with air-to-air missile strike capability, and a user-friendly glass cockpit, was inducted.

No 5 Fighter Squadron contributed its effort promptly and effectively, whenever it was called upon, with distinction and honour, performing a multitude of Counter Air and Counter Surface Force Operations and conducting an excess of 600 flying sorties during the humanitarian operations. The results of these efforts were clearly manifested in the nation’s ultimate victory over terrorism.

No 5 Fighter Squadron, which was also awarded the President’s Colours on 05th March 202, for its valiant contribution, continues to render its service to the nation as the leading Air Defence platform, guarding the skies of our motherland, and will continue to prosper in the future, with the latest updates and a highly trained crew.



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Members of the National Student Parliament meet PM

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Members of the National Student Parliament met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Monday [02nd of February] at Temple Trees.

The representatives of the National Student Parliament, representing schools from across the island, visited the Temple Trees following their visit to the Presidential Secretariat and the Parliament.

Expressing her views on the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated,

“The new education reforms were recently initiated starting from Grade One. Discussions are currently underway to include students entering Grade Six this year into the new education reform process in the future. The education reforms will not be halted, and the government is committed to implementing them in a systematic manner without shortcomings”.

She further noted that the reforms are being carried out under five main pillars, with the government’s key objective being to reduce disparities and provide children with quality education, while also nurturing a socially responsible community enriched with human values such as compassion, love for the environment, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Director of Education Kasun Gunarathne, along with officials from the Ministry of Education and representatives of the National Student Parliament.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Mrs. I.J. Aberathne appointed Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to appoint Mrs. I.J. Aberathne to the post of Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy with immediate effect.

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Cabinet gives green light to provide equipment for the promotion of Aesthetic Education in schools

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Although the teaching of art subjects such as music, dance, art, and drama under aesthetic education continues in the Sri Lankan school system, it has been observed that there is a severe shortage of equipment required for this purpose in many schools. Furthermore, a situation concerning the lack of modern equipment suitable for the needs of the children has also arisen, and it has been reported that most equipment available at present is outdated and dilapidated. It has been observed that this condition has an adverse effect on the quality of the aesthetic education and overall personality development of the children.

Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Prime Minister in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education to implement a project for supplying aesthetic equipment for the promotion of aesthetic education in schools under an estimated cost of Rs. 1,215 million during the period of 2026 to 2028.

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