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SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa awarded President’s Colours
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CTS Diyatalawa Commanding Officer Air Commodore Peterson Fernando receiving the President’s Colours from President Maithripala Sirisena
Sri Lanka Air Force Combat Training School Diyatalawa (SLAF-CTS), the oldest training school of the SLAF, was honoured with the award of the President’s Colours in a colourful parade held at SLAF-CTS Diyatalawa recently.
President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, presented the award, as the Chief Guest. He was received by SLAF Chief Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy. The parade was commanded by Air Commodore Athula Kaluarachchi and the President’s Colours was received by CTS Diyatalawa Commanding Officer Air Commodore Peterson Fernando.
Kfir and F-7 Jets flew past in tribute to the President, while Bell 212 and Mi 17 Helicopters flew past as the President formally conferred his Colours on the SLAF-CTS. The President’s Colours is the highest accolade a military establishment could receive in its lifespan. It is presented in recognition of invaluable services to and sacrifices in the defence of the country.
Known as the ‘Cradle of the Air Force’ SLAF-CTS Diyatalawa was established in 1952 as Royal Ceylon Air Force Station. In 1972, when Sri Lanka became a republic, this station became SLAF Station Diyatalawa. This school conducts Basic Combat Training Courses and Advanced Courses for SLAF officers and other ranks and Weapons Instructors and Drill Instructors Courses, including Physical Instructors Basic Courses.
The SLAF was first awarded the President’s Colours in 1976. The SLAF-CTS, Diyatalawa, the latest Air Force Unit to receive this distinct honour, was so honoured for its role in empowering the officers and other ranks and arming them with the knowledge and wherewithal to serve the SLAF and the nation.
State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, Chief of Defence Staff, Adm Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Sri Lanka Army Chief Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake, Sri Lanka Navy Chief Vice Adm Sirimevan Ranasinghe, Members of the SLAF Board of Management, Past Commanding Officers of SLAF-CTS Diyatalawa, Senior Officers and other ranks of the tri forces were also present to witness the occasion.
