(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – The Annual Air Force Christian Commemorative Service, where the Air Force remembers and appreciates those who laid down their lives in the name of service and nation, was held at St. Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya, 11 July 2023 under the auspices of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa.
The Chief of Staff of SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Wickremaratne, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, a cross section of Officers with their families, Other Ranks, civilian staff and family members of those who have sacrificed their lives in action for preserving the sovereignty of the nation, participated in the Service.
The ceremony commenced with bagpipers leading the Officiating Clergy to the Alter. Christian clergy representing all major sects of the Christian faith participated at the service, invoking divine blessings on the Commander of the Air Force and all members so that they may continue to protect and defend the skies above Sri Lanka. Air Commodore Gihan Senaviratne delivered the welcome address. Wing Commander Ruwan Goonewardene read the prayer of dedication, while Squadron Leader Shakya Wickremasinghe conducted the First Reading in Sinhala and Warrant Officer Rajkumara M conducted the Second Reading in Tamil.
A distinctive feature of the service was the Blessing of the Flags, where flags representing the Air Force Academy, all Bases and Stations of the SLAF were marched up to the Alter and blessings were invoked on them and the establishments that they represented by His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva. A scroll containing the names of all who have laid down their lives in the line of duty was also offered and consecrated.
