The Sri Lanka Air Force celebrated its 67th Anniversary on March 2, 2018, with the focus on reaching out to the people of Sri Lanka, especially, to connect with the people of the East. Emphasis was given to foster reconciliation and unity and assist those in need, which the Air Force stands to assist in fulfilling. Accordingly, the main event Air Tatoo 2018 was held in Ampara, from March 3 to 5, as directed by Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy.
The celebrations included air shows, aerobatic displays, parachute displays, a display by regimental special forces, an air dog show, a band and drill display, a cultural show and a musical extravaganza. It drew large crowds, surpassing 45,000, each day. The event was entrance free.
Parallel to the celebrations in Ampara, the annual Guwan Papedi Sawariya was held in Colombo, on March 2. Both, national and international cyclists participated in this race, which covered a distance of 458.6 km. Madushanka Fernando of SLAF won the overall championship while the team event was won by SLAF Cycle Team. The Women’s Race from Batticaloa to Ampara was won by Shyamali of the Civil Security Department (CSD) while Niroshani Perera (SLAF) and Sandya Kumari (CSD) finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. The Women’s team event was won by the SLAF Women’s Cycling Team.
