Deputy Chief Of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya Bids Adieu to the Sri Lanka Air Force
11:04am on Saturday 27th June 2020
Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya WWV, RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, MSc (Def & Strat Stu), MA (IR), fndu, psc one of the most dedicated helicopter pilots in the history of the Air Force bid adieu to the Sri Lanka Air Force today (27 June 2020) after completing more than 34 years of dedicated service to the nation.
Furthering on the concept brought forward by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias, Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya made an official farewell call on the Commander at his office yesterday (26 June 2020). The Commander extended his best wishes to the Air Vice Marshal and thanked him for the dedicated and distinguished service rendered to the Nation and the Sri Lanka Air Force in particular. The Commander and Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya exchanged mementos to mark this historical occasion. After which, Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya was accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour by the SLAF Colour Wing at Air Force Headquarters.
Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya, hailing from Kandy received his primary and secondary education from St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy. He joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet on 3rd July 1985 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the General Duties Pilot Branch on 1st January 1987. Out of his service career spanning more than 34 years, he has been actively involved in many air operations.
Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya is a graduate of the prestigious National Defence University Beijing, PLA China and holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Management Studies from University of Madras, India. During his career, Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya has attended diverse professional training courses both local and foreign.
During his illustrious carrier spanning almost 35 years, Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya has held many staff and command appointments. He has served as the Staff Officer Air Operation I, Staff Officer (Air) Joint Operations Command, the Chief Instructor of the Air Wing at Defence Services Command and Staff College and as the Commanding Officer of No 7 Squadron.
Above all, he is the first Air Force officer who has commanded all six air bases of the Sri Lanka Air Force including the prestigious Air Force Academy in China Bay. Additionally, he is a highly recognized VVIP rated pilot with over 5000 flying hours to his credit. He held the appointments of Director Logistics and Director Air Intelligence at the Air Force Headquarters during the past few years and he held the prestige post of Vice Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University as well.
Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya has served as an Operational Pilot and in recognition of his acts of bravery during operations, he has been awarded with three gallantry medals, i.e, Weera Wickrama Vibushana (WWV), Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP). Further, his distinguished, exemplary and loyal service has been recognized through awarding of Vishishta Seva Vibushanaya (VSV), Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) and the Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal and clasp in addition to other campaign and operational service medals.
Furthering on the concept brought forward by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias, Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya made an official farewell call on the Commander at his office yesterday (26 June 2020). The Commander extended his best wishes to the Air Vice Marshal and thanked him for the dedicated and distinguished service rendered to the Nation and the Sri Lanka Air Force in particular. The Commander and Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya exchanged mementos to mark this historical occasion. After which, Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya was accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour by the SLAF Colour Wing at Air Force Headquarters.
Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya, hailing from Kandy received his primary and secondary education from St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy. He joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet on 3rd July 1985 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the General Duties Pilot Branch on 1st January 1987. Out of his service career spanning more than 34 years, he has been actively involved in many air operations.
Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya is a graduate of the prestigious National Defence University Beijing, PLA China and holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Management Studies from University of Madras, India. During his career, Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya has attended diverse professional training courses both local and foreign.
During his illustrious carrier spanning almost 35 years, Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya has held many staff and command appointments. He has served as the Staff Officer Air Operation I, Staff Officer (Air) Joint Operations Command, the Chief Instructor of the Air Wing at Defence Services Command and Staff College and as the Commanding Officer of No 7 Squadron.
Above all, he is the first Air Force officer who has commanded all six air bases of the Sri Lanka Air Force including the prestigious Air Force Academy in China Bay. Additionally, he is a highly recognized VVIP rated pilot with over 5000 flying hours to his credit. He held the appointments of Director Logistics and Director Air Intelligence at the Air Force Headquarters during the past few years and he held the prestige post of Vice Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University as well.
Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya has served as an Operational Pilot and in recognition of his acts of bravery during operations, he has been awarded with three gallantry medals, i.e, Weera Wickrama Vibushana (WWV), Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP). Further, his distinguished, exemplary and loyal service has been recognized through awarding of Vishishta Seva Vibushanaya (VSV), Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) and the Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal and clasp in addition to other campaign and operational service medals.
