News

New Sri Lanka Air Force Commander to be appointed

Published

2 years ago

June 28, 2023

editor

Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa is tipped to be appointed as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

Accordingly, Rajapaksa is set to assume duties as the 19th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Born in Colombo in Western Province in 1969, Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa is a past pupil of Bandaranayake College, Gampaha and Ananda College, Colombo.

He joined the Kotelawala Defence Academy, Ratmalana as an Officer Cadet in October 1988 in the 6th Officer Cadets’ Intake.

Having undergone his Basic Combat Training and Graduate Studies at Kotelawala Defence Academy, Basic Flying Training at No. 1 Flying Training Wing, Sri Lanka Air Force Base Anuradhapura and having performed with distinction, he became the Best Flight Cadet in the 33rd Flight Cadets’ course.

Then he proceeded to No. 2 Squadron, Sri Lanka Air Force Base Ratmalana for advance flying training. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the General Duties Pilots Branch on 05 October 1990 as a graduate of the Kotelawala Defence Academy, Ratmalana.

Air Vice Marshal Rajapaksa commanded SLAF Academy, China Bay as the Commandant in 2020 and was appointed as Eastern Air Commander.

Then he embraced the responsibilities as the Base Commander SLAF Base Katunayake, Southern Air Commander and Overall Operations Commander (Air Defence) during his tenure at SLAF Base Katunayake. Gradually, he held the appointment of Director Air Operations at Air Force Headquarters before being appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Rajapaksa held the appointment of Chairman of Sri Lanka Air Force Athletic Association and he has been awarded Sri Lanka Air Force Colours for Tennis in 2010 and he is the only SLAF Officer who has won Commander’s Cup Eagles’ Challenge trophy (in 2021). He also has been awarded SLAF Colours for Golf in 2021.

(adaderana.lk)

News

Police media spokesman resigns

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga has tendered his resignation from the position.

According to reports, he has handed over his letter of resignation to the Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya.

News

Speaker endorses certificate on Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

Hon. Speaker of Parliament endorses the certificate on the Bill

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was passed without amendments in Parliament today (20).

The debate on the Second Reading of this Bill was held today from 5:40 PM to 7:10 PM. Subsequently, following the consideration of the Bill at the Committee Stage, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament.

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 01.03.2025.

Furthermore, Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill today (20), in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution.

Accordingly, this Bill will be enforced as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 02 of 2025.

News

Japan provides fire trucks to Sri Lanka

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan, through a grant assistance of JPY 300 million, has decided to provide state-of-the-art Japanese fire trucks to the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen disaster response capabilities in the country’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs), ensuring a safer business environment and contributing to economic and social stability.

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata SOMATA and Secretary of the Finance Ministry – Mr. K. M. M. Siriwardana, today (March 20) signed and exchanged notes in Colombo on this grant assistance.

The EPZs play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s economy by attracting investment and driving industrial growth.

The increasing risks of fire hazards and other emergencies risk hampering its critical functions.

The Japanese fire trucks, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will bolster the capacity of EPZs, safeguarding businesses, workers, and communities.

The project also underscores Japan’s unwavering commitment to addressing Sri Lanka’s socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable development.