New Era for SLAF: Air Marshal Edirisinghe Assumes Command

COLOMBO (News 1st); Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe assumed duties as the 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

On Monday (27) President Anura Kumara Disanayake appointed Air Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

This appointment came into effect from January 29, coinciding with the retirement of the Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, on the same date.

The 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe, is a distinguished military officer born on 20 June 1970 in Kandy.

He joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet of the 24th Intake in 1991. After rigorous training, he was commissioned in the rank of Pilot Officer in the General Duties Pilot Branch in 1993.

Air Marshal Edirisinghe has been honored with some of the most prestigious military decorations in recognition of his exceptional valor, remarkable service, and unwavering dedication to duty.

Among these accolades, he has been conferred the distinguished "Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya" for acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of a military nature of a high order, voluntarily performed in active service without regard for personal safety.

This honor also reflects his meritorious acts of a human nature of a high order, including saving lives during incidents such as drowning, fire and rescue operations and calamities.

He has further been awarded the "Rana Wickrama Padakkama" for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy performed voluntarily.

Moreover, he has been decorated with the "Rana Sura Padakkama" on three occasions, evidence to his distinguished conduct in the face of the enemy.

In recognition of his exceptional service and devotion to duty, he has also been bestowed with the "Uttama Seva Padakkama," awarded for valuable service marked by exceptional ability, merit and exemplary conduct.