The Sri Lanka Air Force Excellence Awards 2020 was held at the Eagles’ Lagoon View Banquet Hall, Katunayake yesterday (18 March 2021) under the patronage of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. Outstanding performances of the Airmen and Airwomen within the Air Force were recognized and appreciated in order to motivate them to strive for continued excellence through dedication.
The traditional lighting of the oil lamp and the observance of two minutes silence gave the start to the event. The event included many cultural activities performed by the SLAF Dance Troop. The Chairman of organizing Committee, Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa welcomed the Commander and other guests. Following the awarding of the trophies, the Commander addressed the gathering where he made a mention of the value added to the SLAF by all the individual who were felicitated during the ceremony and stated that this would serve to motivate all Airmen and Airwomen to strive for excellence in the years to come.
Based on criteria established by respective directorates, finalists were nominated for consideration and to be honoured as outstanding performers in each trade and for their contribution to the development of the SLAF during the year 2020. Accordingly, the candidates who obtain the highest points from the selection process are awarded the “Most Outstanding Airman and Airwoman” trophies.
This year, Flight Sergeant Chandrapala RGKS (Aero Engine Fitter) from the Aeronautical Engineering Support Wing at SLAF Base Ratmalana and Corporal Chathurangani Kumari H (Safety Equipment FItter) from the No 1 Flying Training Wing at SLAF Academy China Bay were named the Most Outstanding Airman and Airwoman for the Year 2020.
The team from the Radar Maintenance Wing at SLAF Base Katunayake won the “Best Research Team” award this year having obtained the highest points during the selection process. The team won this award for the research on “Replacement of CRT Displays of Indra MK-II Radar Systems with LCD”.
The award for the Best Quality Control Circle (QCC) was yet again won by the QCC titled “Key of Life” – Earning Profits by Using Organic Garbage, forwarded by the SLAF Trade Training School at Ekala. This year the award for the Best Environment Management Project for the year 2020 was secured by Sri Lanka Air Force Base Anuradhapura.
The Chief of Staff, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, Senior Officers of the SLAF, Officers and Other Ranks, participated for the event. The event was conducted with adherence to health guidelines which have been put in place for the prevention of COVID-19
