Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana ( Retd)

Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana ( Retd)

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL SUDARSHANA PATHIRANA (Retd)

Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana was born on December 30, 1965. He is a proud alumnus of Dharmaraja College, Kandy, Sri Lanka, and joined the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) as an officer cadet on July 2, 1985.

Air Chief Marshal Pathirana's passion for flying led him to be trained in basic advanced flying training in Pakistan, India, Israel, and China.

Air Chief Marshal Pathirana completed his Junior Command and Staff Course in Bangladesh and earned a Masters in Operational Art and Science from Air University in Alabama, USA. He also holds a second Master's Degree in Defence Studies and Management from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Additionally, he completed the National Defence College in New Delhi, India, and obtained a Master in Philosophy from the University of Chennai in 2012.

During his career in the Air Force, he held many appointments, including Commanding Officer, Flying Squadron, Base Commander, and Member of the Board of Management. He was later appointed as the 18th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force in 2020 and served in this position until his retirement in 2023.

Air Chief Marshal Pathirana is an avid golfer who previously served as Chairman of SLAF Golf and Athletics. He is married to Charmini and has two children, Bhashini and Vinura.