F/Sgt Jayathilake NR, who became the best airman of year 2014, was promoted to the Rank of Warrant Officer by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke this morning (10 March 2015).

Jayathilaka, an Electrical Technician tradesman and lives in Katana.  He joined the SLAF in 1996 and currently serves at M&EEW at SLAF Base Katunayake.  He is a past pupil of Thimbirigaskaduwa Maha Vidyalaya and Divulapitiya Central College. He is married to Mrs HAN Prabashini and they are blessed with one daughter'.

Jayathilake was able to beat a number of other tradesmen in securing this coveted award as a result if his many innovations and inventions, that helped the SLAF save considerable funds.
 
Among his many achievements are designing of an electronic circuit which can convert pulse regulated current into direct current and light up ordinary Light Emitting Diode(LED) bulbs, and designing and manufacturing a complete set of taxiway light fittings with locally available materials and resources at a cost of approximately Rs 2000 per unit.  He also had the distinction of preparing a new syllabus for the electrician trade course which is equal to the level of National Vocational Qualification.