Outgoing Air Force Chief meets Defence Secretary
June 29, 2023Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, who is completing his successful tenure as the Air Force Chief met the Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne during the farewell call on, held at the Defence Ministry, yesterday (June 28).
During the felicitation ceremony organized by the Defence Ministry, Defence Secretary Gen. Gunaratne sharing his views said that the contribution of Air Marshal Pathirana during the humanitarian operation that eradicated the three-decade-long terrorism in the country had been instrumental. He also performed an excellent service in launching various development projects in the country while commanding the prestigious Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), the Defence Secretary added.
This retiring gentleman took over command of the Sri Lanka Air Force as its 18th Commander on Nov 02, 2020 after being elevated to the three-star rank.
Born on Dec 30, 1965, he completed his education at the prestigious Dharmaraja College, Kandy and later joined the SLAF as an Officer Cadet on Jul 2,985.
He completed his Basic Ground Training at the CTS Diyatalawa and subsequently he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on Jan 02, 1987.
This pioneer flyer commenced his career as a reconnaissance pilot and subsequently transited to Light Transport flying and later assigned to fast jets as a member of the first batch of pilots to fly supersonic aircraft in Sri Lanka.
He is also a qualified flying instructor and a flying examiner. In addition to Kfir and F-7 fighters, he is qualified in over 10 types of aircraft, earning over 3,500 flying hours.
His unblemished and distinguished service has earned him the “Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya” and the “Uttama Seva Padakkama”, “Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya” twice, “Rana Wickrama Padakkama” twice and “Rana Sura Padakkama” on four occasions.
During the occasion, the Defence Secretary congratulated the outgoing Air Force Chief for his future endeavours and presented a memento to symbolize the event. The Chairperson of the Ministry of Defence Seva Vanitha Unit (MOD SVU) Chitrani Gunaratne presented a special memento to the Chairperson of the SLAF SVU Chamini Pathirana.
The services and contribution of the SLAF SVU Chairperson was also praised by the Defence Secretary during the session.
The Air Chief while conveying his gratitude to the Defence Ministry for the assistance rendered to discharge the duties in his Office said that the MOD’s support was extremely instrumental and strengthened the bond between the Ministry of Defence and the SLAF Headquarters.
The Air Force Commander also expressed his gratitude to the Defence Secretary and the senior military officials of the MOD and all invitees.
Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage and Chairperson of the Army SVU Janaki Liyanage, Navy Chief Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and Chairperson of the Navy SVU Mala Lamahewa, Additional Secretaries of the MOD, Heads/Director Generals of the institutions operating under the purview of the MOD and senior military officers also present in this occasion.
