Sri Lanka Air Force Women's Wing
 | This article needs attention from an expert on the subject. The specific problem is: South Asia’s first women’s air force branch, this article needs elaboration.. (October 2019) |
| Sri Lanka Air Force Women's Wing | |
|---|---|
 Parade of lady officers and airwomen (2012) | |
| Active | 1983 – present |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Branch | Sri Lanka Air Force |
| Engagements | Sri Lankan Civil War |
The Sri Lanka Air Force Women's Wing was formed in 1983 which contains the female members of the air force, both airwomen and lady officers. Only unmarried women may join. Members of this wing serve in the same roles as their male counterparts, including combat roles.[1][2] Women were first admitted to the Sri Lanka Air Force in 1972 when female officers joined the Volunteer Air Force.[3] The Women's Wing was formed on 27 February 1983 with the assistance of Women's Royal Air Force (Britain).[citation needed] Initially, women could not become pilots.[3] However, in 1998 women were recruited to train for the elite pilots' wing to replace losses to the Tamil Tigers in their insurgency. 800 women applied for the 33 available places to fly transport planes.[4]
Commanding officers include:
- Air Vice Marshal G. D. Perera (? – 1 August 2002)[5]
- Group Captain M. H. Karannagoda (2 August 2002 – ?)[5]
References
- ^ Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters. "Women's WIng". airforce.lk. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
- ^ Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters. "Recruits Pass Out In Ampara". airforce.lk. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
- ^ a b Raj K. Mehta, Lost Victory: The Rise & Fall of LTTE Supremo, V. Prabhakaran, p. 135, Pentagon Press, 2010 ISBN 9788182744431.
- ^ Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada, "Sri Lanka: Organization and structure of the Sri Lankan Airforce including ranks, units, squadrons and the duties assigned to different personnel; location of squadrons and departments", UNHCR Refworld, Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, 14 March 2001.
- ^ a b "2002 Sri Lanka Air Force Annual Performance Report" (PDF). Parliament of Sri Lanka. p. 6.