The Sri Lanka Air Force Excellence Awards 2021 was held at the Eagles’ Lagoon View Banquet Hall, Katunayake yesterday (14 March 2022) 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 Troupe. The Chairman of organizing Committee, Air Commodore Lasitha Sumanaweera welcomed the Commander and other guests. Following the awarding of the trophies, the Commander addressed the gathering where he stated that the value added to the SLAF by all the individual who were felicitated during the ceremony and further emphasized 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 by a rigorous selection process of a special selection board appointed by the Commander to be honoured as outstanding performers in each trade and for their contribution to the development of the SLAF during the year 2021. Accordingly, the candidates who obtain the highest points from the selection process are awarded the “Most Outstanding Airman and Airwoman” trophies.
This year, Master Warrant Officer EMGI Dayapema (Air Frame Fitter Special) from the Aircraft Overhaul Wing at SLAF Base Katunayake and Corporal Wickramasinghe SCSMK (Operation Ground I) from No 23 Regiment Wing SLAF Base Vavuniya were named as the Most Outstanding Airman and Airwoman for the Year 2021.
The team from the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Wing at SLAF Base Rathmalana 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 producing an interface system for remote operation of existing VHF/UHF, FM/AM transceivers in SLAF.
The award for the Best Quality Control Circle (QCC) was won by the QCC titled “Centurion” – aimed at improving of productivity and quality in software development process and work life balance of service personnel in Information Technology Wing at SLAF Base Rathmalana. This year the award for the Best Environment Management Project for the year 2021 was secured by Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake.
The Chief of Staff, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, Senior Officers of the SLAF, Officers, Command Master Warrant Officer, Other Ranks and family members of the award winners 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.
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Air Operations
Warrant Officer NSR Bandara
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Ground Operations
Flight Sergeant Weragoda HDRK
Best Tradeswoman of Directorate of Ground Operations
Corporal Wickramasinghe SVSMK
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering
Warrant Officer EMGI Dayapema
Best Tradesman of Directorate of General Engineering
Sergeant Dharmasiriwardhana WKRPNR
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering
Corporal Jayalath JCNB
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Information Technology
Sergeant Shameera DEJ
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Logistics
Sergeant Chandana Kumara HM
Best Tradeswoman of Directorate of Logistics
Corporal Madanayake AD
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Administrative
Sergeant Pushpakumara EGS
Best Tradeswoman of Directorate of Administrative
Corporal De Silva RASR
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Civil Engineering
Sergeant Owitigala KP
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Health Services
Flight Sergeant Sanjeewa RMS
Best Tradeswoman of Directorate of Health Services
Corporal Harindi Kumari TGK
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Provost
Flight Sergeant Bandara RMK
Best Tradeswoman of Directorate of Provost
Corporal Chathurika MS
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Sports
Warrant Officer SNPK Senarathne
Best Tradesman of Directorate of Performing Arts
Flight Sergeant Jayasinghe RBGD
Best Tradeswoman of Directorate of Performing Arts
Leading Aircraftwoman Herath HMRSS
Best Tradesman of Support Services
Corporal Rajapaksha RAMS
