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No. 10 Kfir squadron celebrates 27th anniversary today

TheNo10 Fighter Squadron was founded on 5th January 1996 with the induction of six new graceful tailless delta Kfir C2s based at SLAF Katunayake under the command of Squadron Leader Priyantha Gunasinghe. The Squadron was reinforced in the year 2000 with the arrival of another nine Kfir C2s and C7s enhancing its fleet up to fifteen fighters.
The Kfir was developed by Israel as a multirole all weather day night fighter, which satisfied almost all the fighter capabilities of SLAF’s through Battlefield Air Strike, Air Interception, Air Interdiction, Maritime Air strikes with precision and deadly force.
At the outset, the No 10 Fighter Squadron had a complement of four pilots, four engineering officers and seventy technicians, who were trained by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and instructor pilots from Israel Air Force. The present Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana was the first Officer Commanding Operations and succeeded as the second Commanding Officer from 7th of June 2000. First batch of pilots included Wing Commander Janaka Wijayathilake (retd) and Group Captain Sajeewa Hendawitharana (retd).
Kfir was the first aircraft to be inducted to SLAF with a Head Up Display (HUD) and a sophisticated Weapons Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS). In addition to the bomb load of 5.4 tons, the Kfir has two 30mm cannons inbuilt to supplement its firepower. The Kfir with its formidable firepower and precision targeting, was responsible for neutralizing the greatest number of LTTE strongholds, ammunition dumps, fuel depots, troop concentrations, maritime elements and artillery gun positions effectively reducing the LTTE attrition to enable ground troops to advance on ground. Since its inception, the Squadron has logged more than 2,800 operational flying hours and has dropped over 3,500 tons of bombs precisely over confirmed enemy targets. Further, with the instigation of precision guided munitions (PGM) Kfirs contributed its effort promptly and effectively, whenever it was called upon with distinction and honour. The results of these efforts were clearly manifested in the nation’s ultimate victory over terrorism in 2009. On 08 March 2009 President Mahinda Rajapaksa recognized the contribution of the squadron by awarding Presidents’ Colours to No 10 Fighter Squadron for its unique and enduring action to eliminate the terrorism, which pestered the Island nation for over three decades.
As it celebrates its 27th Anniversary under its present Commanding Officer Wing Commander Prabath Wijekoon, No 10 fighter Squadron is under a transformation with the fleet upgradation to C12 version, which will expand its limits further with the performance enhancement through highly sophisticated avionics package, navigation and weapon systems. With these new additions the Squadron would render its service to the nation in the future as the leading fighter squadron of SLAF defending national air space. With the endowing effort and commitment of its professional crew under the guidance of its Commanding Officer, the No 10 Fighter Squadron will continue to thrive in the future keeping the Sri Lanka Air Force ensign flying high.
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“A comprehensive international dialogue essential to address global challenges in 2024” – President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering the opening speech at the ‘Berlin Global’ Dialogue in Berlin, Germany, today (28), expressed the need for a comprehensive dialogue between Western nations and China, the United States of America and China and the European Union and China, as a critical component of a robust international plan capable of addressing the global challenges anticipated in 2024.
The President also highlighted that initiatives such as the ‘Belt and Road’ have led to increased scrutiny of countries like Sri Lanka, potentially impacting the economic prospects of nations in the Global South. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Sri Lanka has a history of engaging with countries like the United States, India, and China, making such interactions a familiar and essential part of international relations.
During the subsequent round table discussion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also expressed gratitude for the support received from India and Bangladesh in addressing Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges.”
President Wickremesinghe underlined the contrast between advanced economies, which possess buffers and reserves to weather these shocks, and developing nations that lack such resources. He emphasized that this disparity was the starting point for the sovereign debt crisis.
The President cautioned that without immediate corrective measures, the world could be on the brink of another crisis. He acknowledged that many developing countries are burdened with substantial debt, highlighting the inadequacy of existing mechanisms like the IMF to address this new situation. He shared Sri Lanka’s experience when declaring bankruptcy, which led to a halt in foreign funding and triggered a political crisis.
News
Renew firearm license for 2024 before 31st December 2023 – Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the renewal of firearm license of individuals/ institutions for the year 2024 will be carried out from 01 October 2023 to 31 December 2023 and the required details can be downloaded from the Defence Ministry’s website www.defence.lk.
Firearm license renewal for 2024 will not be carried out after 31 December 2023. It is also informed that possession of a firearm without a valid license is a punishable offense under provisions of Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance.
Registration renewal of Private Security Firms for the year 2024/2025 will be carried out from 01.10.2023 to 31.12.2023. Any renewals made after the deadline will be subjected to a fine or legal action.
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“Unite to secure a developed Sri Lanka by 2048” – President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Milad-Un-Nabi message urged all Muslim brethren in Sri Lanka, to unite at this juncture in working towards strengthening the path to secure a developed Sri Lanka by 2048.
“Let us together overcome the challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles espoused by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, in ensuring a brighter future for all” he said.
The full text of the President’s message :
“My greetings to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world, observing Milad Un Nabi, being the auspicious occasion commemorating the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam.
He is celebrated as the final messenger of Allah, known for profound teachings of love and peace that encompass humanity. His journey to spread the message of Islam in the challenging societal context of that time, was marked by significant trials. Even in the face of adversity, the Holy Prophet’s unwavering patience and equanimous strength served as powerful attributes. He was victorious in attaining his aspirations, through boundless sacrifices for faith and humanity.
As we celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday today, it is timely to resolve to uphold the values that were the hallmark of his life, which include mutual understanding, brotherhood, assistance to one another and fairness. Our commitment to fostering social harmony is the most meritorious tribute which could be paid to his legacy.
I urge all Muslim brethren in Sri Lanka, to unite at this juncture in working towards strengthening the path, to secure a developed Sri Lanka by 2048. Let us together overcome the challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles espoused by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, in ensuring a brighter future for all.
I wish all those of the Islamic faith, a joyous Eid Milad-Un-Nabi, filled with love, peace and prosperity!”
Ranil Wickremesinghe
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
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