A spectacular air show was the highlight of a line up of events organised last week to mark the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Among the SLAF aircraft that participated in the breathtaking air show were Bell 212 and 412 and MI17 helicopters, and Cessna 152, Beechcraft B200, MA60 and F7 jets.
A contingent of 14 aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) also flew in formation at the airshow. The show, open to the public, was held over the Galle Face green airspace, for three consecutive days from March 3-5.
It showcased an aerobatic demonstration by the IAF’s Surya Kiran jets and Sarang helicopter display teams along with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, to the delight of the spectators.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inaugurated the air show on Wednesday. Air Force chiefs from several countries including Pakistan and Bangladesh and US - Pacific Air Fleet participated as invited guests.
The official anniversary parade was held on Tuesday at SLAF Base Katunayake under the auspices of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana.
(Pix Sulochana Gamage)