military aviators Pavithra Gunaratne and Rangana Weerawardana

• We underwent six months combat training at Diyatalawa and that was the initial transformation from  civilian to  military

Last November, Pilot Officers Pavithra Gunarathne and Rangana Weerawardana attached to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) made history as the first Lady Officers to be awarded the prestigious Flying Brevet thereby becoming the pioneering female military aviators of Sri Lanka. With that, they also proved that women could still achieve their dreams even in a largely male-dominated environment. This month Women at Work speaks to two vibrant ladies who were determined to fulfill their childhood dreams and make their parents proud.

What inspired you to join Sri Lanka Air Force?

Pavithra : It was a childhood dream to join one of the tri-forces. After I finished my A/Ls I got to know that the SLAF is recruiting lady pilots and I joined in 2017. 

Rangana : My parents worked at SLAF and I also had a dream to join the Air Force. After I completed A/Ls I got to know that they were recruiting officers for some branches. My brother said that I could face the interview and see. Subsequently I applied and got through. 

Were there any objections from your family when you told them about your decision to join one of the tri-forces?

Pavithra : Initially my mother didn’t like the idea. But because it was the first time they had recruited lady pilots and since there were only a few of them, it was a good chance to make history. So, later on they supported me. 
Rangana : They were alright because they knew about the situation. 

Tell us about your experiences in the field prior to becoming pilots.

I was awarded the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ which is usually awarded to the Officer Cadet who has achieved the highest results in both academic and professional studies

Both : We underwent six months combat training at Diyatalawa and that was the initial transformation from a civilian to a military personnel. There we learned to work in a given time, learned what we can do in a battle, how to do firing, drills and other exercises. After six months we came to Trincomalee and did basic flying training. There we had to do ground school training, studying around 11 subjects related to aviation. It is only after qualifying ground school training that we can do flying training. We then went to the Indian Air Force Academy at Hyderabad and had another six months of ground school training and six months of flying training. It was in fact a great chance to interact with people in other countries. Thereafter we came back to do an advanced flying training at Ratmalana for another six months. It was after that that the two of us got commissioned as the first lady pilots at SLAF. 

How do you feel about becoming the first two female pilots commissioned by SLAF?

Pavithra : I am very happy and proud of myself. I came this far because of my family and members at SLAF. I’m proud about who I am today. 

Rangana : I too felt proud about myself. It was a memorable moment because I made my parents proud.

Tell us about your roles and responsibilities as a pilot.

It was the first time they had recruited lady pilots and since there were only a few of them, it was a good chance to make history

Both : We are in the No. 8 Light Transport squadron. It currently operates the Harbin Y-12 from SLAF Base in Ratmalana. We schedule transportation for VIPs, VVIPs and arrange reconnaissance missions as well. We operate scheduled flights from Ratmalana to Jaffna and Trincomalee. We handle transport as well as cargo. But due to COVID several flights got cancelled and even after we finished training we had to continue training. 

How challenging is it for a female to become a pilot in a male-dominated military environment?

Pavithra : Sometimes there were challenges. Training is the same for both genders but after three months we got used to it. We were taught to adopt to any situation and to have confidence to handle any situation. 

Rangana : Since we were the first female pilots it was a bit challenging. Piloting is a difficult job because we have to be concerned about the passengers and cargo. But we were guided by qualified instructors such as Group Captain Amal Perera and Poojana Gunathilaka. Our batch mates too were friendly and very helpful. 

The normal perception is that the military is more suitable for males. How has SLAF ensured and empowered gender equality within its system?

Pavithra : With the establishment of the Women’s Wing they look in to the welfare of female officers. They support us if we face any issues and are very supportive. 

Rangana : I was awarded the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ which is usually awarded to the Officer Cadet who has achieved the highest results in both academic and professional studies and who has shown the best all-round performance throughout the course. There were four female officers who were nominated for it. Apart from that I also got the chance to command the commissioning parade, making history as the first female officer to command a parade alone. So all this is proof of the gender equality within the SLAF. 

Your message to women who are aspiring to make a change? 

Pavithra : Sri Lanka is bounded in its culture and therefore people still have the view that women belong in the kitchen. But in many instances this has been proven wrong. If you’re willing to work hard, one day you will be able to achieve your goals. 

Rangana : When I was commanding the parade my parents were in tears. So no matter who you are, you should always be able to make your parents proud. 

Text: Kamanthi Wickramasinghe pix : SLAF