Gota visits Air Force bases

(January 04, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited the Air Force bases at Hingurakgoda, Chainabay and Katunayaka yesterday, 3 January, in order to appreciate the outstanding service rendered by the SLAF towards the success of the Wanni liberation offensive in Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu fronts.

Base Commander of Hingurakgoda Base, Wing Commander D.K Wanigasooriya, welcomed Secretary Defences when he arrived at Hingurakgoda Air Base during his visit. Addressing the officers and airmen of the MI-24 squadron, Secretary Defence praised their commitment by launching close air support missions to assist ground troops during the victorious Wanni liberation offensive.

Later, he visited Chainabay Air Force base and Base Commander Group Captain Wijitha Gunarathna welcomed the Secretary Defence. After addressing the officers and airmen of the Chainabay base Defence Secretary flew to Katunayaka.

Base Commander of Katunayaka Air Base, Air Commodore C.R Gurusinghe welcomed the Secretary Defence in his arrival to Katunayaka. Speaking to officers and airmen of No 12 (MI-27), No 10 (Kfir) and No5 (F-7) squadrons, Secretary Defence expressed his gratitude appreciated the service rendered by them for the success of Wanni battle.

Defence Secretary was accompanied by Air Force Commander Air Marshal Roshan Gunathilaka and a few senior officials of the Air Force Headquarters. - Sri Lanka Guardian