Royal College felicitates Air Force chief

Royal College and the Royal College Union paid the highest tribute to the newly appointed Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama at the Navarangahala Colombo 07, Tuesday by organizing a special assembly, accorded in keeping with Royal College traditions to those who have achieved the highest degree of recognition and achievement in society.

The ceremony witnessed the pageantry of the current Royal College students and staff members, with the air wing of the college cadet platoon and the cadet band heralding the parade, with the distinguished gathering of past Royalists participating in full strength.

Royal College Principal Upali Gunasekera said, "We are honoured and privileged to have with us today Sri Lanka's newly appointed Air Marshall Harsha Abeywickrama. It is to our pride that you have taken flight from your alma mater and reached the pinnacle of your profession.

We value your time in 'touching down' at your beloved alma mater today, to be present at this momentous occasion".

Gunasekera further elaborated that the Air Marshal's career continued to take wing as he was appointed as the Commanding Officer of SLAF Palaly, Base Commander of SLAF China Bay, SLAF Base Anuradhapura and SLAF Base Ratmalana, then becoming the zonal Commander East and Chief Instructor of the Air Wing of the Defence Services Command and Staff College.

In conclusion he stated that the Air-Marshal's illustrious career is one that many a young Royalists will aspire to reach and find hard to emulate.

Royal College Union Secretary Manju Ariyaratne said, "today it is an assembly at which we felicitate a true son of our nation, a warrior of our times, and most of all another distinguished product of Royal College, Harsha Abeywickrama".

Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama, acknowledged with pride and also humility that his foundation and grounding to reach great heights, were sparked-off at his beloved Royal College.

The Air Force Commander enthused that the mind was of paramount importance for a human being, and that one had to cultivate a pure mind without cluttering it. Quoting from the "Rathana Suuthra", he likened a strong mind to being like that of an unshakable tower. He highlighted the example of the "Indrakeelaya", which was a 'strong tower', which was placed in the heart of a township in days gone by, which was a symbol of strength and also a beacon to draw those who were lost back to their habitat.

He thus challenged the young audience present to be strong in mind, whilst also being committed and focused and to have a 'never-say-die', positive attitude in life. He stressed that these three criteria were instrumental in his success and challenged the young Royalists to like-wise aspire to be well-rounded young men.

The Air Marshal has been awarded many notable accolades for gallantry including the Rana Widarama Padakkama and Rana Sura Padakkama for individual acts of bravery, the service medals Uttama Seva Padakkama and Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal.

Royal College Head prefect Dasun Perera also spoke.