Outgoing Air Force Chief expresses gratitude

Dharma Sri Abeyratne and Chandrika Perera

Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathilaka expressed his gratitude to all Air Force personnel who helped him achieve the given target of eradicating terrorism.

Air Chief Marshal Gunathilaka was speaking at a ceremony organized on his retirement as Air Force Commander yesterday.

A special guard of honour was accorded to Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathilaka to mark his retirement as Air Force Commander. Air Chief Marshal Gunathilaka then officially made a note and handed over the Air Force Commander’s baton to new Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama.

He further added that he was very happy that he could fulfil the target assigned by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

He said he was delighted that terrorism was eradicated. Air Chief Marshal Gunathilaka said though he joined the Air Force in 1978 he had been growing up with the Air Force since 1956.

“The contribution made by the Sri Lanka Air Force in the eradication of terrorism has made it famous around the world.

Eventhough we received the required technical assistance, we were able to root out terrorism since we worked as a team”

‘The new Air Force Commander will further elevate the status and position of the Air Force, he added.