The Sri Lanka Air Force conducted a special ceremony at Katunayake today (16) to hand over the Donier 228 maritime surveillance aircraft to India for annual maintenance services. The event took place at the camp and was attended by esteemed officials.
Presided over by Sagala Ratnayake, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President, the ceremony marked an important step in the collaboration between the two nations.
Following a request from the Government of Sri Lanka, the Indian Navy’s Donier 228 maritime surveillance aircraft was initially handed over to the Sri Lanka Air Force on August 15, 2022, for a period of two years. During this time, the aircraft provided exceptional service while being in active duty for a year. Subsequently, it was sent to India for the necessary annual maintenance procedures.
In line with this arrangement, the successor Donier 228 maritime surveillance aircraft has now been granted to the Sri Lanka Air Force, ensuring the continuity of maritime surveillance capabilities.
The event saw the presence of prominent figures, including Gopal Bagle, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, retired General Kamal Gunaratne, Defense Ministry Secretary, and a delegation from the Indian High Commission.
