Sri Lanka Air Force celebrates 59 years service to nation:

Trail blazing military aviators

The glory of the mark that SLAF left on the saga of the greatest Humanitarian Operation in the world, from Mavil Aru to the LTTE’s last hold, Puthumathalan, is unsurpassable. SLAF men and machines soared to sky, along with the military thrust that started from Mavil Aru. They touched down, only after victory was declared by the Commander-in-Chief of Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces, after eliminating the LTTE.

Initially it was the No.06 Squadron - the MI 17, transport helicopters that took off, continuously carrying hundreds and thousands of troops and equipment.

They brought hope to the foot soldier fighting a crucial battle, day in and day out. As the fighting became more and more fierce, the ever faithful Bell 212’s of the No.07 Squadron were never far from the battlefield, evacuating the injured, ferociously flying them for medical attention and returning to hover around again.

The MiG 27’s of 12 Sqn, the Kfirs of 10 Sqn and the F 7’s of No.05 Sqn soon followed, providing close air support to the fighting troops, blasting passages for them to march through and decimating LTTE nerve points.

Then the Mi - 24s of the No.09 Squadron cruised low out of the horizon; strafing the enemy and flying behind enemy lines to extract brethren out on Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) missions. The No.04 Squadron- flew the Bell 412s, conveying VVIPs whose physical presence and directions at the battle field made all the difference.

The No 02 Transport Squadron, logged thousands of flying miles, carrying cargo - human and otherwise, in its AN 32-Bs and C 130s. Men operating the UAVs from ground based cells watched breathless and unblinking, the enemy’s movements on the ground. The Beech craft of No.08 Squadron were flown very many times and always came back with vital information that decided the tempo of the war.

During the total Humanitarian Operation and upto now, SLAF Regiment, the infantry element of SLAF is admirably holding vast areas of land that was liberated.

Apart from their much used to peripheral protection and air field protection, they are now engaged in sustaining ‘gray areas’ and taking giant steps forward in normalizing conflict affected areas through massive stabilization programs.

People who fled the area almost three decades ago are gradually coming back firmly in their belief that SLAF would help them rebuild their shattered lives.

The belief of the displaced, was taken as a challenge by the SLAF ground element, starting from resettlement, SLAF has progressed towards provision of water, irrigation, preparation of hundreds of acres for agriculture, building up schools for the children, apart from providing security to the resettled.

They also have given assurance to the Government authorities to step forward in opening their local offices and function as they used to. Many non-governmental organizations were also encouraged and assisted in re-developing the infrastructure, which was destroyed at the hands of the LTTE.

The Explosive Ordinance Disposal team, another sub unit of SLAF Regiment, is deployed across liberated areas engaged in de-mining activities, directly facilitating the safe return of IDPs.

The firstever air threat to a conventional Air Force by a terrorist organization emerged, when the LTTE started flying their ZLIN 143. It was admirable that SLAF rose to the situation and countered the threat through an effective Air Defence Network, put together within record time.

What was aimed for and achieved by ground crew, engineering officers and technicians was groundbreaking. The technological component of managing the battle was efficiently synchronized. Medical teams were always around and logistical support was brilliant.

However much the fighting went on, premises never lost their polish, Officers, men and women always held their heads high, SOPs were followed, last post was always played and traditions were upheld.

Versatility - a true mark of professionalism

The SLAF overcame the delusion that it is an organization that is predominantly technical in its operations. Commander Air Chief Marshall Roshan Goonetilleke and his team have demonstrated unprecedented ingenuity and commitment in creating the winds of change, to facilitate the national consensus to eliminate terrorism from the soil of Sri Lanka. As a vital link in the National Military Strategy, the SLAF team rose admirably to the task of countering and dismantling the LTTE through optimal utilization of their relevant skills, competencies and maximum and productive management of air assets.

During the four years of the final stages of the war against the LTTE, not a single air asset was destroyed while flying. The men and machine gallantly faced the wrath of LTTE’s fire power and returned to base.

True professionalism essentially involves versatility. Apart from its traditional role of protector of Sri Lankan skies, men and women of SLAF have carried the SLAF flag high in many diverse forums locally and internationally.

In many spheres, including sports, information technology, entertainment, reliving the proud past through a magnificent museum and many areas of academics, SLAF Officers and other ranks are flying high. Bagging National Productivity and Quality recognitions repeatedly, during incessant military operations was no mean feat. Professionalism of the men and women of SLAF is underscored by these achievements.

Lest we forget

Time stands still when SLAF honours her men and women who selflessly protected the integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka not only with fire power, but also with their lives. To date 59 officers and 384 airmen have laid down their lives in supreme sacrifice.

It has been said, “One must die so that others may know the full value of life.” Value of life is the value of freedom, the freedom that came to Sri Lanka at such a cost...the cost of those lives that were willingly sacrificed so that the Nation could live free. Freedom did not come without pain, loss and despair.

It came through the valiant efforts of all men and women putting country before self. Apart from the floral tributes that are regularly offered, pragmatic memorial is initiated through SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit to add value to the lives of the family members who will be ever grieving with the loss of their loved ones while serving the country.

Legend lives on

A SLAF flies high today, proud in the knowledge that she has developed by leaps and bounds from a fledgling Air Force to a force of full stature. SLAF from a largely ceremonial and peace oriented Air Force, transformed herself to a formidable force to reckon with.

She gallantly fought insurgencies and wars with modest resources available. Fighting, erring and fighting again, SLAF walked the path of learning. She now has become the trail blazers in the global arena of military aviation.

Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Chief Marshal WDRMJ Goonetileke firmly believed that the atitude of SLAF will always be governed by men and women of SLAF. SLAF has always been fortunate to be steered by a dedicated and professional leadership who continuously supported the evolution within the organization and the transformation from good to the best. Fifty nine years after her conception, today, March 02, 2010, SLAF reflects on her achievements.

The splendour of her history, the commitment and courage of her people, the grit that never wavered in the face of adversity and the leadership that transformed adversity into winning ways stand in good stead today as Sri Lanka Air Force celebrates its 59th Anniversary, the first after eradicating terror, as a highly effective and forward looking member of Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces.

Nilakshi Gunatilleke for the SLAF MEDIA