The postgraduate certificate and red academic cloak belonging to Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, the Sri Lanka Air Force pilot who died in the Lunuwila helicopter crash, were placed with his body by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo.
Wing Commander Siyambalapitiya had been scheduled to officially graduate the day after his tragic death, during the university’s postgraduate convocation. In tribute to his achievement and service, the university administration ensured that his academic honours were respectfully bestowed upon him posthumously.
The Sri Lanka Air Force and the academic community have expressed profound grief over the loss of the officer, who was recognized both for his military service and academic dedication. An investigation into the Lunuwila crash is ongoing.
