THE FIRST WOMEN IN THE AIR FORCE

It was interesting to hear that women were first taken in to the Sri Lankan

Air Force in 1971. The first women who joined as Pilot Officers were Indira Samarasinghe, a past pupil of Ladies College, Sharmali Wickramarathna a past pupil of Visahka Vidyalaya, Saroja Jayatilleke, past pupil of Holy Family Convent and Chris Jacobs, past pupil of Bishop's College. One wonders how they fared, whether they stuck to their careers in the Air Force or sought greener pastures. As one who applauds the achievement of women, whoever they are and wherever they are, I applaud their courage in joining what was once a role only for men. Anything men can do, I think women can do better!