AIR VICE MARSHAL DAMIAN WEERASINGHE BIDS ADIEU TO THE SRI LANKA AIR FORCE
Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe USP, MDS, BSc (Def Stu), MIM (SL), ndc, psc bid adieu to the Sri Lanka Air Force today (26 January 2026), after completing 35 years of dedicated service to the nation. At the time of his retirement, he held the appointment of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe made an official farewell call on the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, at his office on 23 January 2026. The Commander commended him for his dedicated service rendered to the nation and to the Sri Lanka Air Force in particular. The Commander also emphasized that he was one of the key stakeholders during times of need for our motherland and that his heroic history will remain etched in the annals of the SLAF. The Commander and Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe exchanged mementos to mark the occasion.
Subsequently, he was accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour by the SLAF Colour Wing before departing from Air Force Headquarters at Defence Headquarters Complex for the last time.
In recognition of the outstanding service rendered to the nation, the Farewell Dinner was graciously hosted in honour of Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe with the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe along with Chairperson SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe and the members of the Air Force Board of Management. This momentous occasion took place at the Air Force Headquarters Officers' Mess in Colombo.
Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe embarked on his illustrious career by enlisting as an Officer Cadet with the 8th intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy, Ratmalana, on 03 November 1990.
Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe pursued higher education at the Kotelawala Defence University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Defence Studies). Upon successful completion of his training, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on 14 November 1992, in the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Branch. Throughout his career, Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe has exhibited exceptional dedication and proficiency in his field, contributing significantly to the advancement of the Sri Lanka Air Force's operational capabilities.
He commenced his distinguished military career as the Officer in Charge of Avionics at the No. 111 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron, SLAF Base Vavuniya. Demonstrating his dedication, he was entrusted with numerous key appointments, including Commanding Officer of the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Wing, SLAF Base Katunayake, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the unit's operational readiness and technological capabilities. Further optimizing his efforts towards the effective functioning of the Directorate, he served in critical staff appointments such as Staff Officer Electronics Engineering II and subsequently, Staff Officer Electronics Engineering I. Further, Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the SLAF Trade Training School, Ekala. In this capacity, he played a dynamic role in the institution's operation and development, significantly enhancing the training and professional development of Air Force personnel. Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe has an exemplary record of professional military education and training. He successfully completed his Basic Combat Training and subsequently, Basic Administration Training at the Combat Training School in Diyatalawa in 1992, laying a strong foundation for his military career. His pursuit of professional excellence is marked by the completion of several advanced training programmes and courses designed to enhance his leadership and strategic skills.
Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe's professional excellence includes the successful completion of the Junior Command and Staff Course at SLAF Academy, China Bay, the Senior Command and Staff Course at the Defence Services Command & Staff College, Sapugaskanda, where he sharpened his strategic planning and high-level command capabilities. Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe earned the distinguished title of ‘ndc’ from the National Defence College, the highest seat of strategic learning for officers of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
In recognition of his distinguished service and dedication to duty, Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe has been awarded the prestigious ‘Uttama Seva Padakkama.’
Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe made an official farewell call on the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, at his office on 23 January 2026. The Commander commended him for his dedicated service rendered to the nation and to the Sri Lanka Air Force in particular. The Commander also emphasized that he was one of the key stakeholders during times of need for our motherland and that his heroic history will remain etched in the annals of the SLAF. The Commander and Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe exchanged mementos to mark the occasion.
Subsequently, he was accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour by the SLAF Colour Wing before departing from Air Force Headquarters at Defence Headquarters Complex for the last time.
In recognition of the outstanding service rendered to the nation, the Farewell Dinner was graciously hosted in honour of Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe with the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe along with Chairperson SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Krishanthi Edirisinghe and the members of the Air Force Board of Management. This momentous occasion took place at the Air Force Headquarters Officers' Mess in Colombo.
Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe embarked on his illustrious career by enlisting as an Officer Cadet with the 8th intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy, Ratmalana, on 03 November 1990.
Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe pursued higher education at the Kotelawala Defence University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Defence Studies). Upon successful completion of his training, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on 14 November 1992, in the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Branch. Throughout his career, Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe has exhibited exceptional dedication and proficiency in his field, contributing significantly to the advancement of the Sri Lanka Air Force's operational capabilities.
He commenced his distinguished military career as the Officer in Charge of Avionics at the No. 111 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron, SLAF Base Vavuniya. Demonstrating his dedication, he was entrusted with numerous key appointments, including Commanding Officer of the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Wing, SLAF Base Katunayake, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the unit's operational readiness and technological capabilities. Further optimizing his efforts towards the effective functioning of the Directorate, he served in critical staff appointments such as Staff Officer Electronics Engineering II and subsequently, Staff Officer Electronics Engineering I. Further, Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the SLAF Trade Training School, Ekala. In this capacity, he played a dynamic role in the institution's operation and development, significantly enhancing the training and professional development of Air Force personnel. Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe has an exemplary record of professional military education and training. He successfully completed his Basic Combat Training and subsequently, Basic Administration Training at the Combat Training School in Diyatalawa in 1992, laying a strong foundation for his military career. His pursuit of professional excellence is marked by the completion of several advanced training programmes and courses designed to enhance his leadership and strategic skills.
Air Vice Marshal Weerasinghe's professional excellence includes the successful completion of the Junior Command and Staff Course at SLAF Academy, China Bay, the Senior Command and Staff Course at the Defence Services Command & Staff College, Sapugaskanda, where he sharpened his strategic planning and high-level command capabilities. Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe earned the distinguished title of ‘ndc’ from the National Defence College, the highest seat of strategic learning for officers of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
In recognition of his distinguished service and dedication to duty, Air Vice Marshal Damian Weerasinghe has been awarded the prestigious ‘Uttama Seva Padakkama.’
Farewell Call on
Guard of honour
Dining Out
