News
Overhauled AN 32s re-join operational service
Efforts underway to operationalise one, more AN 32, two C-130s
The Air Force headquarters says efforts are underway to repair one AN 32 and two C 130 Hercules transport aircraft as part of the overall measures to increase the SLAF capacity. Air Force headquarters has made the announcement in the wake of three overhauled AN 32s rejoining operational service.
Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe has sent The Island the following statement: ” With the intention of improving the heavy air lift capacity of the Sri Lanka Air Force, three (03) Antonov-32 aircraft from the No 02 Heavy Transport Squadron departed the island in August 2020. On completion of the overhaul process in the Ukraine the three (03) aircraft returned safely back to the No 02 Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake Friday evening (11 June 2021).
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne on the invitation of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, was present at the SLAF Base Katunayake to welcome the three Antonov-32s and their crew on arrival after a five-day journey from the Ukraine to Sri Lanka. The Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Members of the Air Force Board of Management and the Southern Air Commander and Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake were present on the occasion as well. General (Retd) Gunaratne and the Commander congratulated the crew of 28 led by Group Captain Pradeep Piyaratne, the Commanding Officer of the No 02 Heavy Transport Squadron which returned safely after covering a distance of 5078 Nautical Miles over a period of approximately 22 flying hours. The three aircraft that returned yesterday bear the tail numbers SCM 860, SCM 863 and SCM 869.
These aircraft which were inducted to the Sri Lanka Air Force in the year 1995 are the largest operational heavy transport aircraft at the moment. These aircraft played a vital role during the 30- -year-war by transporting military personnel, civilians, casualties, essential goods and munitions to and from the Northern and Eastern Theaters. These aircraft which are now in a serviceable operational condition have not been contributing to air lift requirements from November 2014 and as a result the SLAF has had to use transport helicopters to meet those requirements. However, with the return of these three aircraft the transport capabilities of the SLAF will increase by 75%.
These large aircraft are not only used for transport purposes but are also used for training missions as well. Further, these aircraft which are capable of trans continental travel become vital when providing assistance to our friendly neighbors.”
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Acting Ministers for four ministries before his departure on an official state visit to Vietnam.
The appointments cover three ministries under the President’s purview — the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, which comes under the purview of Minister Vijitha Herath, who is accompanying the President on this official visit.
Accordingly, the following Acting Ministers have been appointed:
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Digital Economy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
[PMD]
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
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