GUARDIANS
OF THE SKY

Not having had the support of a volunteer force, or trained manpower amongst the Ceylonese, Group Captain Bladon had to rely on RAF personnel to fill his requirements of Senior Staff Officers. Among the first Ceylonese to be recruited as Officers were Sqn Ldr E. Rohan Amarasekera D.F.C. (Air Staff Officer), Flt Lt R.B.D. Jansen (Engineering Officer), Flt Lt Ken Nagarajah (Equipment Officer), Flt Lt Wijendran (Secretarial Officer), Flt Lt P.G. Walpita (Education Officer) and F/O S.N. Samarasinghe (Secretarial Officer). Thus he obtained approval from the Ministry of Defence to appoint Wing Commander A.E. Dale as Senior Air Staff Officer, Flt Lt A.F. Hindell as Senior Technical Staff Officer, Flt Lt Chignal as Senior Equipment Staff Officer, Flt Lt H.A.D. Ranasinghe as Chief Signals Officer and Flt Lt Renshaw as Senior Officer in Charge of Administration. Wg Cdr Dale, himself a pilot, was also designated as Chief of Staff, and deputised for the Commander in his absence. On 8th August 1951, 1004 AC2(Cadet) D. De S. Seneviratne and 1005 AC2(Cadet) Paddy Mendis were recruited to the RCyAF and were sent to RAF College, Cranwell. When at last training got underway at Katunayake, the first batch of Officer Cadets were Ivor De Abrew, L.B. Tissa (who lost his life in a flying accident over Katugastota), R. Varatharasa (also killed in an accident, flying a Dove aircraft out of China Bay), C. Chelvarajan (who crashed in a Balliol aircraft at Katunayake, losing his life), Mike Phoebus, D. Nicolle, Dick C. Perera, R. Vivekananthan, Harry Goonetileke and Jayasena. When at last training got underway at Katunayake, the first batch of Officer Cadets were Ivor De Abrew, L.B. Tissa (who lost his life in a flying accident over Katugastota), R. Varatharasa (also killed in an accident, flying a Dove aircraft out of China Bay), C. Chelvarajan (who crashed in a Balliol aircraft at Katunayake, losing his life), Mike Phoebus, D. Nicolle, Dick C. Perera, R. Vivekananthan, Harry Goonetileke and Jayasena. The second batch of graduates from the ranks of local trainees included Flight Cadets A. Walter Fernando, L.W.A. Christiansz, E. Deryck Pereira, Johnpulle (who later transferred to ATC), T. Saldin, Milroy De Soyza, L. Perera, R. Perera and Noel Anandappa. When in 1952, King George VI passed away, the RCyAF was represented at the funeral in London by a contingent led by Flt Lt Ken Nagarajah. The others in the contingent were Flt Cdts, C.E.V. De Silva, P.H. Mendis and D. De S. Seneviratne. Together with the contingents from the Ceylon Army and the Royal Ceylon Navy, the RCyAF contingent took part in the funeral march from Buckingham Palace to Paddington Station, from where the remains of His Majesty were taken to Sandringham for interment. In 1953, the RCyAF sent a contingent of men to participate at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, in U.K led by Flt Lt Wijendran. The others included, Sgt H.G.A. Jayawardena, Cpl Elroy Seneviratne, Cpl H.A.S. Mendis, Cpl Thaw Khalid, C. Randall, O.H. Maye, G.A. Jaksa, Dudley Oorlorff, Elmo Alles, G.K. Punnyadasa, Ebert and Camillus Silva. Six of these stayed back after the Coronation, to represent Ceylon at the Royal Tournament at Earls Court, London. The six were - H.G.A. Jayawardena, Elroy Seneviratne, Elmo Alles, Dudley Oorlorff, G.K. Punnyadasa and O.H. Maye. The Air Force began recruiting other grades and other disciplines as well. Aircraft apprentices were sought. As in the case of Officer Cadets, batches of apprentices were sent to the UK, to be trained at the RAF's School of Technical Training at Halton. When the RCyAF was formed in 1951, a priority requirement was to train local lads as Aircraft technicians. Young Ceylonese boys, between the ages of sixteen and seventeen and a half, were recruited as Aircraft apprentices. The first batch of ten was sent to England less than two months after the Air Force was formed, and thereafter, further batches followed, every four months. The primary institution was the No. 1 School of Technical Training, RAF, Halton for aircraft trades, and RAF, Cranwell, for Radio and Ground Radar courses. Later administrative apprentices were sent to RAF, Hereford. The distinction of being the first Ceylonese apprentice, went to Douglas Abeysekera, a boy from Holy Cross College, Kalutara, who later retired as a Squadron Leader. The last of the apprentices, Cyril Siriwardena, also retired as a Squadron Leader, a few years ago.The first two Ceylonese pilots at Cranwell, Paddy Mendis and Sene Seneviratne graduated on 6th April 1954. The first batch of Cadets to be trained at Katunayake also passed out in 1954 (a full three years after they joined up - a delay occasioned by the late arrival of the Balliols).

At inception, the RCyAF owned no aircraft. Early recruits had to make do with PT and Drill routines,until the first four Chipmunks arrived, and later the Oxfords and Balliols as well. The RCyAF's first trainer, the Chipmunk was ordered in 1950 and the first batch of four aircraft arrived in Ceylon in October the same year. With the arrival of the Chipmunk, aircraft engineering activities could begin.The aircraft were brought in and assembled at Katunayake, under the guidance of RAF Engineers and were first flown in February 1951. The receipt of aircraft heralded the conferring of Station status on RCyAF, Katunayake. A second batch of five Chipmunks joined the fleet in July 1952 and began flying in November 1952. The last batch of Chipmunks was purchased in March 1953 and commissioned in August the same year. Also in 1953, the Air Force took delivery of three Airspeed Oxford aircraft. The arrival of the twin engined Airspeed Oxford aircraft enabled the Flying wing to become operational, engaging in anti-illicit immigrant sorties. Incidentally, the Rolls Royce Merlin engine on the Balliol came from the same stable as the power units of the renowned Spitfire aircraft of World War II fame. The Balliols were significantly more powerful than the sedate Oxfords and Chipmunks, and many an RCyAF Cadet pilot found them brutes to fly yet a few of those Cadets like Paddy Mendis, Harry Goonetileke and Dick Perera have admitted that of all the aircraft they had flown, the most challenging and rewarding to fly, were the Balliols. It was a matter of feel and control etc Three years after birth, the RCyAF took delivery of its first batch of Merlin-engined Boulton Paul Balliol aircraft, heralding the commencement of advanced flying training activities, long delayed up to that juncture. The prowess of our pilots was really second to none. The confident young RCyAF pilots did Ceylon proud in the UK. Squadron Leader S.V. Mahendra Situnayake became the second Asian pilot to win the Groves Memorial Prize for Flying and Airmanship at Cranwell, the first being ACM Mukherjee of the Indian Air Force. Squadron Leader J.E.M. Nihal Ratnayake became the first Asian pilot to win the Hicks Memorial Prize for Aerobatics, also at Cranwell. These were not easy heights to reach and easy awards to obtain for Asians, in those days. It wasn't until 1955 when the De Havilland Dove aircraft joined the fleet, that the Air Force began to operate two squadrons - No. 1 Squadron, to which the Chipmunks and Balliols were attached (and consequently was the training wing) and No. 2 Squadron to which the Doves were attached. With the arrival of the Doves in 1955, the force also acquired two Westland S 51 helicopters, commonly known as the Dragonfly. Another acquisition at the time was of four Prestwick single engine Pioneer aircraft which were deployed in the role of crop sprayers and transporters. Thus did the fledgling Air Force fleet grow in the early years.

By the time the RCyAF commenced the Barker Years (i.e. post 1958), No. 1 Squadron had been split into No. 1 Squadron, commanded by Flt Lt Vivekananthan and No. 2 Squadron commanded by Flt Lt Paddy Mendis. The split was effected on 01 September 1957. No 1 Squadron, which continued to handle flight-training duties, operated the Chipmunks and Balliols The newly formed operational No. 2 Squadron, which handled transport and patrol duties, flew the Oxford Airspeed, Prestwick Pioneer and De Havilland Dove aircraft. The Dragonfly S51 helicopter (the RCyAF's first helicopter) was also on the strength of No. 2 Squadron, but to all intents and purposes, was a separate flight under the command of Flying Officer Mahendra Situnayake. Both squadrons were based in Katunayake, which station had Sqn Ldr Short, as Officer Commanding. 1958 saw the RCyAF s first major tragedy in the form of an air accident. It involved a Dove aircraft from No. 2 Squadron piloted by Flt Lt Varatharasa, which crashed on take-off into the oil storage tanks at China Bay airfield in the Trincomalee area, killing all five persons on board. In addition to the pilot, there were Flt Lt Shibley and Lt Peiris and an Engineering Officer of the British Army, Major Hacker and Sergeant Guy. The year 1959 saw further expansion of the RCyAF. Commander Barker realized that if the RCyAF was to play the role set out for it, in legislation, he would need more aircraft to strengthen the No. 2 Operational Squadron. Thus it was that in September 1959 a team of RCyAF men led by Sqn Ldr Short and comprising Flt Lts Harry Goonetileke, Dick C. Perera and A. Walter Fernando set off for the UK in a Dove, to bring back two De Havilland Heron aircraft purchased by Ceylon. On the ferry flight back from the UK, they were in formation sharing the service of just one navigator.

All things were considered, the RCyAF pilots coped well with their latest acquisition and first ever jetaircraft. Even though history does record one hiccup, there was no fault of the pilot. The RCyAF was practicing for the Independence Day Fly Past in 1960 the Jet Provosts were in flight formation when one of the aircraft experienced a flame out. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Noel H. Lokuge broke formation and ejected from the aircraft which later went down into the Negombo Lagoon. Sqn Ldr Lokuge himself also landed in the lagoon. This was the first time a pilot had to eject from his aircraft in the RCyAF. The Oxford Airspeed was phased out in 1958, whilst the Balliols went into storage in 1959. The Civil side of things 1958 saw the first signs of civil unrest in Ceylon the Sinhala/Tamil language issue. The RCyAF was called upon to assist the other armed services in maintaining law and order. In June 1959 the country was again beset with a disruption to an even tenored civil life, with major industrial action taken by workers at the Colombo Port. The whole of No.18 recruits' course (then at Diyatalawa) with an SNCO and two JNCOs in charge of each flight came under the command of Flying Officer P.T. De Silva (Admin) and were despatched for duty to Colombo. The RCyAF men began to work the ships and ensure that the country's vital supplies kept flowing in, without undue delay. Also in 1959 the country lost a Prime Minister, the Hon. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike to an assassin's bullet on the 26th of September. The passing out parade of No. 18 recruits course was in progress at Diyatalawa, when the news reached. The Commanders of the Navy and the Air Force left immediately for Colombo aboard a Pioneer aircraft, and the Services were alerted for ceremonial funeral duties.

The next step was the setting up of a Board of Management, under the Chairmanship of the Commander. The Board comprised the Chief of Staff and Heads of Branches at Air Force Headquarters (the former Principal Staff Officers, who were designated as Directors) with the Director of Administration functioning as Secretary to the Board. The Board met fortnightly. In order to monitor the activities of independent formations, the Commander met the COs once in 3 months. The Directors in those early days handled the areas of Logistics, Aeronautical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Administration, Medical Services, Civil Engineering and Operations; later Planning, Welfare, Training, General Engineering and a revised Directorate of Operations amalgamating ground and air ops, were added on. With the influx of aircraft and equipment to help the RCyAF deal with the insurgency, the Force was left with surplus men and machines surplus in the sense that the demands on the Force had greatly decreased as a result of the reduction in operational demands Helitours The Directors in those early days handled the areas of Logistics, Aeronautical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Administration, Medical Services, Civil Engineering and Operations; later Planning, Welfare, Training, General Engineering and a revised Directorate of Operations amalgamating ground and air ops, were added on. With the influx of aircraft and equipment to help the RCyAF deal with the insurgency, the Force was left with surplus and machines surplus in the sense that the demands on the Force had greatly decreased as a result of the reduction in operational demands. Commander Mendis and the new Board of Management spearheaded many more developments in the years from 1971 onwards. Later on, during the period of Commander Mendis leadership, Dakota aircraft joined the No. 2 Squadron (1975). Training A vital aspect of the early 70's was training. Commander Mendis saw the need for a fully-fledged Air Force Academy to train pilots, engineers and administrators under one roof. He looked towards China Bay. The RCyAF China Bay was incorporated into establishment as the Air Force Academy on 17th April 1975. The No.1 Flying Training School and Aeronautical & Administrative Training School Katunayake were combined to establish the Academy. The new Academy provided Basic and Advanced training in approximately 50 trades. Officer cadets who completed basic combat training at Diyatalawa, could now obtain their professional training at the Academy. Six Cessna twin and single engined aircraft were purchased and placed under the command of the Flying Training School, to help put trainee pilots through their paces. Later on, during the period of Commander Mendis leadership, Dakota aircraft joined the No. 2 Squadron (1975). The SLAF Band Another formation that quietly took shape in the early days of AVM Mendis command period that remained largely unsung - was the Air Force Band. The formation of the Air Forces Military Band has been described as a thoughtful concept, introduced by Flight Lieutenant M.J. Terry De S. Gunawardena, in the era of Air Commodore P.H. Mendis - Commander of the RCyAF. (Terry Gunawardena himself, was later to command the SLAF). Twelve pioneer airmen were posted to the Sri Lanka Navy, Welisara to follow basic training and guidance under the late Commander Premalal Danwatte - at the time a Lieutenant and Director of Music at the SLN. Initial training was in Bugling and Drumming. In 1973 another twelve volunteer airmen were recruited to the Band. The SLAF Band Thus the first Air Force Military Band consisting of 24 musicians and a JNCO in charge - Cpl. K.A.D.A. Morris arrived back at the SLAF Regiment, Katunayake. The first Bandmaster was Chief Petty Officer, M.P.H Bartholomeusz - commissioned on 15th June 1976 in the rank of Pilot Officer. On the 22nd of May 1972, Ceylon became the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka - from that point onwards the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) became the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) - all Bases, Units, Detachments and Wings shed the RCyAF tag and adopted the new one - SLAF.

Air Vice Marshal Mendis relinquished command of the Sri Lanka Air Force, on 1st November 1976. During AVM Mendis' command the SLAF had grown in manpower from 1,400 to 3,100 personnel, an increase of over 150%, occasioned largely by the requirements to counter the insurgency of 1971. Air Commodore Harry Goonetileke became the fifth Commander of the Air Force on 1st November 1976. Air Vice Marshal Goonetileke's period of command saw the beginnings of some important reclamation work, in terms of restoring disused RAF air fields; a task that was pursued with great vigour by his successor AVM Dick Perera in later years. He also began the archival process that led in later years to the formation of the SLAF Museum and contributed greatly to SLAF sports particularly Rugby Football. Another development in 1976, under Commander Goonetileke's was the setting up of the Air Force Commando Unit headed by Flt Lt J Eksith Peiris - Flt Lt Peiris brother had just commenced the Commando Unit within the Sri Lanka Army, with impressive results. SLAF detachments were established at Wirawila (1st July 1978), Vavuniya (1st August 1978) and Minneriya (20th November 1978). They went on to become fully fledged independent Bases and Stations, in later During AVM Goonetileke's Commandship, only two aircraft were purchased - two Dauphin SA 365c helicopters for VIP transport duties. This reflected the return to normalcy in the island. Another Engineering Feat The Sri Lanka Air Force next embarked on a project that was to earn them many accolades. Perhaps begun under the commandship of AVM Paddy Mendis, in terms of preliminary discussions, the aircraft construction project began in 1979, around the time of a restructure in the Technical Maintenance Depot (TMD). A decision was made to decentralize the TMD and as a result the Aircraft Engineering Wing, the General Engineering Wing and the Motor Transport Repair and Overhaul Wing were formed. With effect from 1st January 1979 Squadron Leader Jim Gunaratnam took command of the Aircraft Engineering Wing. The Pazmany PL2 project made history in the SLAF. Squadron Leader Jim Gunaratnam and his team from AEW took charge of the project. The Pazmany was an aircraft designed by Laszlo Pazmany, a very successful aircraft engineer of Argentinian birth, but residing in the USA When the SLAF decided to build the Pazmany as an experimental exercise. They found the insurgency had done them a favour, for there seemed to be plenty of 20 and 22 gauge material around, suitable for aircraft construction purposes. The Pazmany PL2 began to take shape; the complete frame was turned out at Katunayake. The engine specified in the specs was actually the 0-135 Lycoming. However, the Continental 0-200 engine was chosen - the same unit that powered the Cessna 150. The Pazmany PL2 was built and ceremonially test flown at a passing out parade at China Bay in the distinguished presence of H.E. The President the late Mr J.R. Jayewardene. The Pazmany project gave rise to plenty of valuable research and expertise. Fabrication processes of fibre glass cowlings, panels, ducts, interior furnishings, fabrication of aircraft control cables and proof testing them, use of wax moulds for sheet metal processing - manufacture of precision aircraft components such as under carriage cylinders, axle mounts, main spars, longerons, etc, were all accomplished at the time. The Pazmany and indeed the Riley Heron Conversion programmes imparted invaluable expertise to the SLAF. The AEW went on, in later years, to perform some prodigious work, in the finest traditions of aviation engineering, mostly for the Air Force, but also for international civilian operators. The Mechanical Transport Depot became the Mechanical Transport, Repairs & Overhaul Wing on 1st January 1979. Its first Commanding Officer on that day was Sqn Ldr U. Wanasinghe. The MTR & O Wing handled the overhaul of all SLAF vehicles light, heavy, armoured and specialised. It also established MT cells for all vehicles allocated to Air Field Units. They also operate a Command Reserve of SLAF vehicles for deployment with the Commander's authority. The General Engineering Wing was also born in January 1979. This was hitherto the General Engineering section of the Technical Maintenance Depot (TMD), which provided workshop surface finishing and ground support equipment repair facilities to all bases and units of SLAF. The GEW consists of the General Workshop, the Photographic Section, the Surface and Finishing Section, the Ground Equipment Section and the Armoury. Sqn Ldr A.P. Samarakoon was the first Commanding Officer of this Wing. The Father of Air Force Rugby AVM Harry Goonetileke was without doubt, one of the more obvious sporting Commanders the Air Force has seen over the years. Under his guidance, sports flourished and reached great heights. He was popularly called the father of Air Force Rugby and not without good reason! The Air Force team was placed in the B Division of the premier Rugby tournament in the country. He raised standards, groomed players and brought them into the A Division. The Air Force Rugby team had the likes of Jeff Rutnam, Mohan Balasuriya, Tikiri Marambe, Nalin Silva, Rohan Gunaratne and Jeyer Rodriguesz in their ranks. All extremely fine players, all represented Sri Lanka at rugby. Flt Lt Mohan Balasuriya brought honour to Air Force Rugby when he was chosen to captain the Sri Lanka Rugby team. Interestingly, Rohan Gunaratne's is another remarkable story. He had never played rugby before joining the Air Force yet he learnt and mastered the game, to perform with great distinction and represent his country. Commander Goonetileke captained the Air Force cricket team successfully in the Daily News Trophy tournament, where, in those days, matches were of a days duration. He successfully guided them through the transition from the Daily News Trophy tournament, to the Donovan Andree Trophy championship where the matches were played over 2 days. He also introduced a partial sponsorship scheme for Air Force sportsmen selected for National honours overseas, using Air Force non-public funds. Infrastructural Development Another innovation during the late 70s was the introduction by Commander Goonetileke of Formation Flags with appropriate motifs for use at ceremonial functions. A Families Welfare Association (FWA) was formed to look after the interests of Air Force families. AVM Goonetileke's wife was the first President of the FWA. The FWA really became the forerunner of the Seva Vanitha movement, which was later established at National level. Branches of the FWA were set up in each formation, with the wives of Commanding Officers presiding over them. Commander Harry Goonetileke gave great support to the setting up of the Ex-Servicemen's Association on 24th August 1980. The first dance of this Association was held at No. 1 Hangar at Katunayake on Christmas Eve 1980. In the year 2000 on the 49th birthday of the SLAF he was proudly elected its President a moment to cherish. In 1976 a major international air disaster occurred in Sri Lanka. A passenger jetliner operated by the Charter Company Martinair crashed into the Seven Virgins mountain range. The Jungle Rescue Team of SLAF were despatched from Diyatalawa to carry out rescue operations.

In 1983 the country faced a week of anarchy as a direct result of set backs faced by the Army in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country, at the hands of terrorists. However, history reveals the refleeting patterns of SLAF and how it was only in 1985 that 19 aircraft were added to the fleet with only a few ground attack units in this complement All this while, the Air Force stuck to its role of air support in the form of reconnaissance and transport services provided to the Army and Police and also the Navy. By May 1985, Air Vice Marshal Walter Fernando had assumed command of the SLAF. By the late 80s, the SLAF ceased to operate its ageing DC3, Heron, Riley-Heron and Dove aircraft. Thus the SLAF suggested to the Government that it should seek newer aircraft to supplement its transport activities being borne now by the Avro HS748s and the Cessna's. Thus, in the year 1984/85, the SLAF inducted its first complement of Bell 412 helicopters, along with a host of other fixed and rotary-winged aircraft. Meanwhile, flying activities for the SLAF continued to be accomplished by No. 1 FTS of the SLAF Academy at China Bay which had been renamed as No. 1 FTW, No. 2 Transport Squadron at Ratmalana and No. 4 Helicopter Squadron at Katunayake. As per its role No. 2 Transport Squadron carried troops, VIPs, cargo, operated commercial flights and carried out aerial survey missions too. Although the home of No. 4 Helicopter Squadron continued to be Katunayake, it positioned several Bell 212 and Bell Jet Ranger helicopters at Palali, in support of the Army in Jaffna. These helicopters moved supplies to the forward based Army Camps, supported ground troops by being configured with either machine guns or rocket pods and joining in offensives and also performed casualty evacuation operations. The SLAF flew a record 11887 flying hours in 1985 more than the sum of the flying hours recorded from the two previous years together, and an 86.7% increase over 1984 alone. These statistics alone, show how the role of the SLAF had increased quite dramatically, in the light of escalating war activity. Keeping Man and Machine Aloft The blip of terrorism bore down heavily on the Army, Police and Navy and the Air Force had a correspondingly heavy workload in support of the ground and sea war effort, with air transport and reconnaissance, plus a fledgling flutter of attack capability. At the time the Government of Sri Lanka found it increasingly difficult to obtain the military hardware and ancillary services and equipment required to fight a war. There weren't many countries willing to supply Air Force requirements. The escalation of terrorism also meant that the Air Force had to further develop and utilize its outlying airfields. From the peacetime concentration on Katunayake, China Bay and Diyatalawa, the SLAF had to mount operational flying into the conflict areas from their airfields in Palali, Vavuniya, China Bay and Anuradhapura. With the escalating threat of terrorism from the mid-eighties onwards and the induction of new aircraft and weaponry, the Logistics directorate began to establish Supply and Air Movements Squadrons in key bases such as Anuradhapura, China Bay and Ratmalana. Air Vice Marshal Duncan Dissanayake played a key role in setting up the Air Movements Squadron at Ratmalana, and also Refueling Sections at all Air Force Bases. AVM Dissanayake encapsulates the role of SLAF's Logistics Organisation, thus, The objective of the Logistics Organisation is not merely to purchase and store items, but to also be able to forecast requirements and have the right equipment, in the right quantity, at the right time, at the right place . The Aeronautical Engineering wing too had to cope with new demands, occasioned by conflict conditions. There was an increased demand for repairs on a more varied and numerous fleet, a stock of spares had to be held in forward locations, to facilitate running repairs and a quick turnaround of aircraft to facilitate operations. The forward supply demands increased, requiring immediate supplies of equipment at locations far away from the main stock holding centres.

The war took a significant turn in May 1987. The JOC launched Operation Liberation or what came to be commonly called the Vadamarachi Operation . This was a clear and hold operation on an extremely large scale, conducted in the Vadamarachi area in the district of Jaffna. It was the biggest military operation undertaken by the Sri Lankan armed forces, up to that time. The sheer logistics and planning that went into this operation were unprecedented for all three armed forces. The Air Force mustered 1 AVRO, 2 Y-12s and 1 Heron, all configured as improvised bombers a far cry from the purposes for which they were designed. Another 2 AVROs, 2 Y12s and 2 Doves were used as transports, ferrying personnel and goods to and from Colombo, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee as and when required. A Y-12 was reserved for CASEVAC duties. Three of the venerable Cessna 337 Skymasters were devoted to reconnaissance missions over land and sea. The Cessna s along with the Jet Ranger helicopters performed air observation point missions too. 6 Siai Marchetti SF 260s were entrusted with a Fighter/Ground Attack role and performed Close Air Support and Battlefield interdiction missions. Two helicopters were configured as gunships and provided Close Air Support in their slow flying mode, distinct from that of the fixed wings. 8 helicopters were configured as troop carriers, two more were configured as both troop carriers and CASEVAC aircraft, whilst another three, configured as troop carriers, were held in reserve. Palali airfield became a temporary home base for the Vadamarachi fleet . Operation Liberation had all the hallmarks of one of the largest and most decisive campaigns launched by Government forces up to that time. Strengthening Infrastructure On 2nd April 1987, Anuradhapura too was raised to Base status; its first Base Commander was Gp Capt Oliver M. Ranasinghe. A Gunners Advanced Training School was set up in SLAF, Morawewa in the same year. On 3rd September 87 a Women's Wing was formed and located in Colombo. The first CO was Air Cdre D.S.G. Vithana. The Women's Wing was set up to maintain and update all records pertaining to Lady Officers and Airwomen, prepare promotional schedules, annual assessments, issue identity cards, etc. Additions to the fleet in 1987 came in the form of four more Yunshuju - 12s and two of the SLAFs first Y8 heavy transport aircraft, the Chinese version of the Russian Antonov AN12. The addition of the Y8 to the fleet also introduced the capabilities of air lifting more than 150 personnel in a single flight, whilst the Y12 could land and take off, even on grass fields. The Y12s and the Y8s both joined the No. 2 Transport Squadron. On 1st January 1987, No. 4 Helicopter Squadron was renamed No. 4 Helicopter Wing and its first CO was Gp Capt Oliver Ranasinghe.Additions to the fleet in 1987 came in the form of four more Yunshuju - 12s and two of the SLAFs first Y8 heavy transport aircraft, the Chinese version of the Russian Antonov AN12. The addition of the Y8 to the fleet also introduced the capabilities of air lifting more than 150 personnel in a single flight, whilst the Y12 could land and take off, even on grass fields. The Y12s and the Y8s both joined the No. 2 Transport Squadron. On 1st January 1987, No. 4 Helicopter Squadron was renamed No. 4 Helicopter Wing and its first CO was Gp Capt Oliver Ranasinghe. In 1988, the twin prongs of the SLAF s Operations, viz. Flying and Ground, were brought under one directorate. Hitherto Gp Capt Brendon Sosa headed Ground Operations/Training and Gp Capt Oliver Ranasinghe headed Flying Operations. Both functions were brought under the Directorate of Gp Capt Oliver Ranasinghe. Another key change occurred on 11th August 1988, when the No. 1 Flight Training Wing was relocated to SLAF, Anuradhapura. The Wing came to that historic location with 14 aircraft and was commanded by Flt Lt S.N.H. Goonetilleke. On 2nd April 1989 Wg Cdr A.N.C.W. Jayasekera initiated the formation of the Electronic & Telecommunication Wing at SLAF Base, Ratmalana. On 19th December 1989, SLAF Unit, Ampara was established with three officers and forty-eight airmen. Birth of the Museum Technical Achievements The AP & SU completed a labour of love, with the help of one of Air Lanka's Tristar Captain (Capt Dave Hawkes) the restoration of a De Havilland Tiger Moth 82 aircraft. The Tiger Moth had been a virtual wreck, lying in the hangars of Ratmalana, when it was taken over by the SLAF in 1982 and made airworthy in 1988. On 2nd April 1989 Wg Cdr A.N.C.W. Jayasekera initiated the formation of the Electronic & Telecommunication Wing at SLAF Base, Ratmalana. On 19th December 1989, SLAF Unit, Ampara was established with three officers and forty-eight airmen. The Aircraft Preservation & Salvage Unit (AP & SU) at Ratmalana introduced several more workshops and overhaul bays in 1988/89, whilst rehabilitating more and more aircraft joining its Museum section. The Aeronautical Engineering Wing at Katunayake commissioned a Rotor Blade Bay in 1988. The General Engineering Wing began manufacture of 4 models of bombs for the SLAF. They were also responsible for constructing and equipping the SLAF's stalls at the Gam Udawa Exhibition, a project initiated by President Premadasa, in June each year. Dress Regulations (which still specified the use of Khakhi) were fully revised and Parliamentary approval obtained and gazetted for the changes. Despite the demands of war, Commander Walter Fernando saw to it that a whole host of projects were completed during his period of command. Air Marshal Walter Fernando was promoted to Air Chief Marshal on 15th February 1990 - he retired on 16th February 1990. He was appointed Secretary to the Minister of Defence on 17th February 1990 and subsequently appointed Secretary, Defence on 7th September 1993. ACM Walter Fernando is the only Commander of the Air Force to date, to have held this position. To Arms Once More After the withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force hostilities were resumed against the Government forces in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Commencing in June 1990 this phase of the conflict began with land operations against Army Camps and frontier villages. The Sri Lanka Army which had been confined to barracks during the sojourn of the IPKF, and had later fought a very different foe (the Southern insurrection in late 80's) were at a distinct disadvantage. The SLAF had just inducted its new Commander Air Marshal M.J.T. de S. Gunawardena. Commander Terry Gunawardena took charge of an Air Force about to go to war again. When the offensive commenced, Batticaloa and Kiran and other smaller Army Camps and Detachments came under attack in the East. In the North, Army Camps along the Vavuniya - Elephant Pass road such as Mankulam, Kokavil and Kilinochchi were attacked, as was the Jaffna Fort. Access by road became increasingly hazardous due to terrorist ambushes. This was the cue for the SLAF to step in and provide air transport and close air support to ground troops. Ground attack missions were also undertaken. On 1st January 1987, No. 4 Helicopter Squadron was renamed No. 4 Helicopter Wing and its first CO was Gp Capt Oliver Ranasinghe.

The skies over Sri Lanka last reverberated to the roar of fast jet aircraft way back in the 1980's. Then it was the MIG 17 jets that represented the fast jet capabilities of the SLAF. Once the MIG's were decommissioned in 1980, no more jets were inducted to the fleet for quite some time. In 1991 the SLAF began fast jet operations again, with the acquisition of Chinese F7 jets in the fighter/ground attack category. The F series jets were Chinese produced derivatives of the Russian MIGs from the Mikoyan Guryevich design bureau. With the influx of the jets, No. 5 Jet Squadron was formed on 1st February 1991 and was based at Katunayake. Its first CO was Sqn Ldr H.D. Abeywickrema. The role designated for the attack aircraft, the F7BS, was mainly close air support for ground operations, and on requirement, in interceptor and recce mode. In the year 1991 the SLAF inducted ten other aircraft in addition to the F series jets, viz. 9 Siai Marchetti SF260 Warriors and 1 AVRO. Wings of War ...1992 The Air Force inducted only one aircraft in 1992. Yet this was a singularly important happening in the context of its attack capabilities. Powered by twin turbo prop engines the Pucara was of Argentinian manufacture and was purpose built for counter insurgency operations. The two-seater Pucara also had the advantage of being able to accomplish short landing and take off and could operate to airfields with relatively rough terrain, as well. The arrival of the Pucara enhanced the ground attack capabilities of the SLAF quite significantly. The strike-force of an F7 1992 showed a reduction in operational flying demands on the SLAF, though it supported twenty-eight operations of the Army. The main one, Operation Balavegaya 2 conducted over June/July, cost them a Y8 aircraft with 18 personnel on board. Infrastructural and other Developments Apart from the role it played in the air, the SLAF found itself committed on the ground as well in 1992. The Air Force was called upon to secure a section of the Main Supply Route (MSR) to Trincomalee, and to protect villages in the Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Ampara Districts. The SLAF deployed 70 Officers and 2,000 Airmen to meet this contingency. Most of this force was mustered from the SLAF Regiment but their numbers were bolstered from other ranks, such as technical and other trades. Although envisaged as a limited assignment, the ground commitment lasted much longer than anticipated. The Basic Trade Training School and the Advanced and Specialised Ground Training Unit were amalgamated on 20th January 1992 to form the Advanced and Specialised Trade Training School under its first CO Sqn Ldr W. Balasuriya. An Information Technology Unit was set up on 24th November 1992 in Colombo. The first CITO was Wg Cdr W.W.V. Perera. The ITU was tasked with the computerisation of Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics Functions. Eventually the ITU was to handle the computerisation of SLAF itself. Incidentally, the first computer had been introduced to the Air Force way back in 1985, when Wg Cdr Oliver Ranasinghe who was heading No. 4 Helicopter Squadron, acquired a PC from the Bell Company representative who was assisting the SLAF at the time. Old Wings New Wings The first three Mi-17 helicopter transports joined the fleet in 1993. The Mil Mi-17 tactical transport twin engine helicopter came to the SLAF inventory with an impressive pedigree. Of an extremely rugged design, the Mi-17 had been flying from the early 80's. Dependable and battle proven with a significantly higher payload than the Bell 212/412s, the Mi-17 was soon to become an admired favourite of the SLAF, and a real work horse along with its cousin the Mi-24 attack helicopter, which joined the fleet later. Another three IA58 Pucara aircraft were also acquired, enhancing further the Air Force's ground attack capabilities. The arrival of the Mi-17 helicopters prompted the formation of No. 6 Helicopter Squadron on 15th March 1993, at Katunayake. However, the services of the Mi-17 were felt to be too far away from the battle zones and the squadron relocated to SLAF, Vavuniya on 29th April 1993. Going retro , in a manner of speaking, Commander, Air Marshal Terry Gunawardena was able to complete the SLAF Museum, which was formally declared open by the Hon Prime Minister, D.B. Wijetunge on 3rd March 1993. This was also the day that the SLAF officially celebrated its 42nd Anniversary. A rather unique if daring event took place at the opening ceremony. Wg Cdr J.L.C. Salgado, then attached to the Transport Squadron at Ratmalana climbed into the cockpit of a Beech Super 80 aircraft for the first time in his life, with the then CO of the AP & SU, Wg Cdr O.D.N.L. Perera as his co-pilot, and after going through the check list, proceeded to take off! He then executed some choice low level flying in celebration of the event! In the medical field a landmark event saw the appointment of Wg Cdr Y.K. Ratnayake as Commanding Officer of the Air Force Hospital, Katunayake. She was the first lady CO of the Hospital and the first lady CO to be appointed within the SLAF! A Change of Command and other Changes! 1994 saw a change at the top at SLAF Air Chief Marshal Gunawardena retired on 16th February and was succeeded by Air Marshal Oliver Ranasinghe On the 17th of the same month. Commander Ranasinghe's period at the helm of affairs yielded some important changes and developments. Flying Operations and Fleet Enhancements In 1994, No. 4 Helicopter Wing was split into two Squadrons namely 401 and 402. No. 401 Squadron took charge of operational flying requirements and pilot training, and was located at SLAF, Hingurakgoda. No. 401 Squadron had the Bell 212 and Bell Jet Ranger helicopters in its fleet. No. 402 Squadron remained at Katunayake and flew Bell 412 and Bell Jet Rangers, largely catering to VIP movement. Another change was the repositioning of No. 5 Jet Squadron to China Bay, thus bringing the F7s closer to operational areas with the attendant benefits of quicker response to demands from the conflict zones. In 1994, another Pucara and three Mi-17 helicopters joined the SLAF. The Mi-17s went into No. 6 Squadron and at a total strength of six aircraft, began to provide yeoman service in the area of tactical transport, in the North and East. The SLAF carried out flying support actions for 20 missions in the North and East in 1994. Further Development The latter half of 1994 saw the holding of Parliamentary and Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka. The SLAF provided its services in the areas of internal security and assistance to civil authorities during these elections. Air Force ground troops were also committed in the areas of Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Ampara. In Ampara, the Army relieved the SLAF force and their presence on the ground was no longer necessary. A little known part of Air Force life is the Printing Section, staffed largely in 1994 by airmen who had been so unfortunately disabled in the war. This little unit had been busily producing the Guwan Sandeshaya a monthly magazine of Air Force news. In September 1994 the unit was provided with an Officer I/C and thus commenced regular training for all Airmen. The printing unit was improved in the ensuing years with a guillotine in 1995 and an enlarger in 1997. A colour lab also came into being and more airmen and women were added to the cadre. Hostilities Resumed The new Government of the People's Alliance made their agenda known with a negotiated ceasefire and commenced further negotiations and discussions in a bid to resolve the conflict. The process began in January 1995. However, after 3 months, the talking ended and fighting began. The naval vessels in Trincomalee Harbour were attacked on 19th April. Thus began a particularly intense and bloody period in the war!

Air Marshal Oliver Ranasinghe, the ninth Commander of the SLAF, relinquished Command in March 1998. Air Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody took over duties as the tenth Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force on 6th March 1998. He was instrumental in re-organizing the SLAF's Flying Formations into effective squadrons, to meet the needs of a growing role and an expanding fleet. Even today, aircraft are inducted to meet a need, and new squadrons form around the aircraft and the designated roles they are called upon to play. This has given rise to the formation of the different squadrons, their divisions and amalgamations and re-definition of roles, over the years. Boost for Training Air Marshal Weerakkody came to the seat of Command of SLAF with a firm avowal to enhance significantly, the training opportunities to the men and women of the Air Force. He lost no time in seeing his aspirations reach fruition. On 4th March 1999, he declared open The Junior Command and Staff College at China Bay, a College designed to prepare officers in the rank of Squadron Leader and Flight Lieutenant for managerial appointments. Its other goals were to educate officers towards a better work culture, prepare them to meet social commitments as befit their rank and appointment, provide modern management skills and provide an orientation to officers to help them handle Information Systems effectively and efficiently. The new College features an auditorium, syndicate rooms, a reference library and a computer laboratory. The Best Student receives the Air Marshal J. Weerakkody Trophy, whilst the best Commandant's Paper is awarded the Wg Cdr E.G.J.P. De Silva Trophy. The top three overall performers are sent overseas for training The dawn of a new Millennium The year 2000 dawned on a violent note for the Air Force. The major offensives were conducted against the Security Forces in Jaffna, by the Northern rebels in a bid to wrest territory held by the Army. These efforts were initially successful as they drove the forces back, reclaiming significant tracts of territory as they went. Their weaponry of artillery, mortar and missiles was intensively deployed in one of their largest operations in recent times, code named Unceasing Waves . The Sri Lanka Air Force reached a crisis driven turning point in the very first month of the new millennium! Some hard questions demanded answers! The immediate need of the hour was to increase ground attack capabilities. The SLAF began to induct an unprecedented number of aircraft to fulfil this role. A new model of jets joined the F7s of No. 5 Squadron; 6 MIG 27s nicknamed Sloggers , ensured that No. 5 Squadron became fully operational out of Katunayake. Additionally, a MIG trainer too, was inducted to the Squadron. No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron took charge of several new Mi-35 helicopters, doubling their inventory from 1999 levels. The Squadron's aircraft were technically enhanced with electronic equipment, to undertake night attack duties. No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron took delivery of the SLAF's first two Hercules C130 aircraft in March and September 2000. These acknowledgedly top flight transporters introduced a quantum leap in payload capabilities, upping the 25 ton capabilities of the Y-8s and AN32s to the over 60 ton capabilities of the C130. Additionally, No. 2 also inducted another 3 AN 32B aircraft to its fleet. Commander Weerakkody pressed ahead with provision of training facilities for NCOs. On 1st September 2000, he inaugurated the NCO Management School at the Combat Training School premises, with the aim of imparting supervisory skills, developing communication skills to enhance inter-personal relations on the job, developing command and leadership abilities amongst SNCOs and JNCOs, being some of the main objectives. The first CO of the School was Wg Cdr D.L.D. Sumanasekera. Air Marshal Weerakkody, the tenth Commander of the SLAF, relinquished Command on 15th July 2002. The 11th Commander of SLAF was Air Chief Marshal G D Perera, who commanded the Air Force from 15th July 2002 to 11th June 2006. The new Commander from 11th June 2006 to date is Air Chief Marshal WDMRJ Goonetileke.