President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that it is the fundamental duty of young officers to develop their skills and move forward in their careers.
The President was speaking at the Commissioning Parade of the Sri Lanka Air Force at the Air force Base – Katunayake yesterday.
The President said, “You must work hard to continuously improve your knowledge, further develop your skills, and learn from the lessons imparted through your experience.”
The President commended the Air Force for over 70 years of service to the motherland and for its service to nation building as well as national security.
Some 153 cadets who completed their training under six categories of courses in a three and a half to four and a half years passed out yesterday. This marks the first time in the history of the Air Force that a large number of officers have passed out at one time. The President pinned Flying Official Badges to 22 Air Force Flight Officer Cadets and six female Flight Officers. Fourteen officer cadets who excelled in all courses received awards from the President. The President also posed for a group photo with the passing out officers after witnessing the performance by the Air Force Military Band.
Air Force Commander, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, presented a souvenir to the President and the President placed a note on the book for special guests at the Air Force Base. Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) was also present.