By: Nalin Jayetileke
A fitting farewell funeral to a legendary former Sri Lanka Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal Deshamanya PH Mendis, the 1st Commander of the Sri Lanka Air force with full Air Force / Military honours this afternoon.
The Funeral of the late Air Chief Marshal was held this afternoon at the General Cemetery Mount Lavinia. The gun carriage which carried the casket was escorted on parade by former Air Force Commanders Air Chief Marshal Oliver Ranasinghe, Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody, Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala, the present Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, the Chief of staff Air Vice Marshal Prassanna Payoe, Senior, Junior Officers and other ranks of the Air Force, the Sri Lanka Army, Retired Air Force and other service Officers and Other ranks.
Whilst the Artillery Gun salute was given to the late Commander, the men and women in uniform stood at attention to the last post played by the buglers signifying the last salute to a legendry Officer and a Gentleman. 4 Helicopters flew in formation over the gun carriage offering the “Air salute” from all Officers, Other ranks and Civilians of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
the Funeral ceremony was arranged in accordance with Covid protocells and was well executed giving its due respect and stature to a legendry former Commander, by the Air Force.
