AIR VICE MARSHAL RUWAN CHANDIMA BIDS ADIEU TO THE SRI LANKA AIR FORCE
Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima RWP, RSP, USP, MSc (Mgt), MIM (SL), MITD (SL), Justice of Peace, ndc bid adieu to the Sri Lanka Air Force today (17 April 2026), after completing 33 years of dedicated service to the nation. At the time of his retirement, he held the appointment of Director General Ground Operations of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Air Vice Marshal Chandima made an official farewell call on the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, at his office yesterday (16 April 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 Chandima 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 Chandima 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 Chandima embarked on his military career in 1993 as an Officer Cadet of Intake No. 25 after completion of his education at Kalutara Maha Vidyalaya. He has successfully completed Basic Ground Combat Training and Branch Training at SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa, as well as the Basic Administrative Course at the prestigious SLAF Academy China Bay. Upon concluding his training, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Administrative Regiment Branch on 23 September 1994, marking the formal commencement of his distinguished career as a Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Air Vice Marshal Chandima has demonstrated a strong commitment to his professional growth and excellence through a diverse range of prestigious military and diplomatic training programs. Notably, his successful completion of the Junior Command and Staff Course in 2002 in Sri Lanka and his engagement in the Basic Staff Course in Pakistan reflect his capacity to adapt and learn from regional military dynamics, further enhancing his strategic expertise. In addition, participation in the Diploma Course in Professional Diplomacy and World Affairs in 2011 has equipped him with vital skills to navigate complex global environments. Furthermore, he successfully completed the National Security and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College Sri Lanka in 2023. In 2014, he enriched his academic array by following the Senior Command Course in India and the Advanced Security Cooperation Course in the USA in 2018.
He has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication in advancing his expertise in specialized military fields through rigorous training and professional qualifications. He has successfully completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Basic Course in 2001. Additionally, he has followed the Land-Based Air Defence Course in Sri Lanka. In reinforcing his exceptional capability, the Young Officers Course (Air Defence) at Pakistan has equipped him with advanced technical knowledge and strategic insight into air defence operations.
Throughout the illustrious military career of Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima, he has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for his acts of valour and exemplary service. He was awarded the 'Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP)' and 'Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP)' for exceptional acts of bravery in the face of the enemy. Furthermore, his remarkable dedication and exemplary conduct have been recognized with the 'Uththama Sewa Padakkama (USP)' highlighting his commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Throughout his distinguished career in the Sri Lanka Air Force, he has held numerous key appointments, such as Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Ampara, Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Katukurunda, Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Morawewa, Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Palaly, Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Colombo, Commanding Officer of Ground Training Wing at SLAF Academy China Bay, Commanding Officer of No. 45 VIPP Wing and Commanding Officer of No. 26 Regiment Wing SLAF Base Katunayake.
Furthermore, he held the position of President of the National Rifle Association of Sri Lanka (NRASL).
Air Vice Marshal Chandima made an official farewell call on the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, at his office yesterday (16 April 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 Chandima 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 Chandima 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 Chandima embarked on his military career in 1993 as an Officer Cadet of Intake No. 25 after completion of his education at Kalutara Maha Vidyalaya. He has successfully completed Basic Ground Combat Training and Branch Training at SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa, as well as the Basic Administrative Course at the prestigious SLAF Academy China Bay. Upon concluding his training, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Administrative Regiment Branch on 23 September 1994, marking the formal commencement of his distinguished career as a Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Air Vice Marshal Chandima has demonstrated a strong commitment to his professional growth and excellence through a diverse range of prestigious military and diplomatic training programs. Notably, his successful completion of the Junior Command and Staff Course in 2002 in Sri Lanka and his engagement in the Basic Staff Course in Pakistan reflect his capacity to adapt and learn from regional military dynamics, further enhancing his strategic expertise. In addition, participation in the Diploma Course in Professional Diplomacy and World Affairs in 2011 has equipped him with vital skills to navigate complex global environments. Furthermore, he successfully completed the National Security and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College Sri Lanka in 2023. In 2014, he enriched his academic array by following the Senior Command Course in India and the Advanced Security Cooperation Course in the USA in 2018.
He has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication in advancing his expertise in specialized military fields through rigorous training and professional qualifications. He has successfully completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Basic Course in 2001. Additionally, he has followed the Land-Based Air Defence Course in Sri Lanka. In reinforcing his exceptional capability, the Young Officers Course (Air Defence) at Pakistan has equipped him with advanced technical knowledge and strategic insight into air defence operations.
Throughout the illustrious military career of Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima, he has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for his acts of valour and exemplary service. He was awarded the 'Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP)' and 'Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP)' for exceptional acts of bravery in the face of the enemy. Furthermore, his remarkable dedication and exemplary conduct have been recognized with the 'Uththama Sewa Padakkama (USP)' highlighting his commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Throughout his distinguished career in the Sri Lanka Air Force, he has held numerous key appointments, such as Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Ampara, Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Katukurunda, Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Morawewa, Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Palaly, Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Colombo, Commanding Officer of Ground Training Wing at SLAF Academy China Bay, Commanding Officer of No. 45 VIPP Wing and Commanding Officer of No. 26 Regiment Wing SLAF Base Katunayake.
Furthermore, he held the position of President of the National Rifle Association of Sri Lanka (NRASL).
Farewell Call on
Guard of honour
Dining Out
