Jayalath Weerakkody, who rose to the rank of Air Marshal on 06 March 1998, became the Sri Lanka Air Force’s tenth Commander. A proud product of Dharmashoka College, Ambalangoda he joined the SLAF on 12th January 1972, as an Officer Cadet in the General Duties Pilot Branch in Officer cadet intake 1 of the Air Force Academy. During his school days he excelled in sports, especially swimming.

During his journey to the top Air Chief Marshal  Weerakkody served in many appointments. A few noteworthy of them being as CO No 4 Squadron, CO No 2 Squadron, CO SLAF Colombo, Senior Air Staff Officer, Base Commander SLAF Base Anuradhapura, Northern Zonal Commander, Director Operations and finally as Chief of Staff before reaching the zenith as the Commander. Incidentally he is the only officer to hold the office of Commanding Officer of No 2 and No 4 Squadrons which are the transport and helicopter squadrons. He was also a qualified flying instructor and provided valuable service imparting flying skills in aspiring aviators of the SLAF.

Apart from his initial training, he followed the Junior Commanders Course at Air Force Administrative College, Coimbatore, India and graduated from the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, USA. Further he attended the National Defence College in India.

Air Chief Marshal  Weerakkody earned a reputation as a taskmaster, initiating and fast tracking many infrastructure development projects throughout the Air Force, of which the gymnasiums, swimming pools and Married Quarters projects stand out. He was also instrumental in the acquisition of the MiG 27 fighters, K 8 jet trainers and PT 6 basic trainers. He displayed outstanding leadership when he personally directed offensive operations having actively taken part in them, whilst holding senior appointments such as Director Operations.

Air Chief Marshal  Weerakkody was decorated thrice for gallantry with the Rana Wickrama Padakkama and also received the Vishista Seva Vibushanaya and the Uththama Seva Padakkama for long and distinguished service to the Air Force. His eventful tenure came to a conclusion when he relinquished office on 15th July 2002. He was promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal on 01 October 2007 in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the nation.