Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Andrew Wijesuriya retired yesterday (24) after completing more than 35 years of service.
AVM Wijesuriya (retd) joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet of the 16th Intake of Officer Cadets on 5 May 1986 and was commissioned in the rank of Pilot Officer on 27 December 1987 in the Technical Engineering Branch.
During his outstanding Career in the Sri Lanka Air Force he has held many important and responsible appointments such as Officer Commanding Air Craft Maintenance of the No 5 Jet Squadron, Command Armament Officer at the Directorate of Ground Engineering, held the challenging appointment of Air Force Media spokesman, Staff Officer to the Commander, Head of the training team at the Defense services Command and Staff College in Sri Lanka, Director General Engineering, Director Aeronautical Engineering and was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff on 13th July 2021. The Deputy Chief of Staff position as at present is the highest appointment an Officer, a non flyer, could hold in the Sri Lanka Air Force. Apart from holding the high seat as the Deputy Chief of Staff, one of the most significant appointments he held was the appointment of the Officer Command Maintenance during the War in of one of the most prestigious Squadrons of the SLAF , the Kafir Jet fighter Air Craft Squadron. Significant contribution was made by him executing duties under pressure to ensure the Kafir fleet was in serviceable flying condition meeting its demand in the defense of the Country. AVM Wijesuriya (retd) is regarded as one of the most skillful and qualified Air Craft engineers specialized in Jet Air Craft engines.
Air Vice Marshal Wijesuriya (retd) is one of the few retired Military Officers in Sri Lanka who is decorated with 4 masters Degrees; Masters Degree in Defense and Management from the Kothalawala Defense University, a Masters in Defense Studies from the University of Kelaniya, a Masters Degree in National Security and War Studies from the National Defense University Islamabad in Pakistan and a Masters Degree in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air University, Alabama USA. He also has a Diploma in Quality Management from the Standards Institute of Sri Lanka.
With the wealth of Knowledge Air Vice Marshal Wijesuriya (retd) possess in the field of Aircraft Engineering, Defense, Military Operational Art, Science and Management, he would definitely be further an asset even in retirement, if such is recognized and utilized gainfully.
Prior to him retiring from Office yesterday, He made an official farewell call on the Commander of the Air Force , Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana at his office where the Commander and the Air Vice Marshal exchanged mementos to mark the occasion.
AVM Wijesuriya ( retd) was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the SLAF Colour Wing before he departed Air Force Headquarters for the last time yesterday.
Thesundayredaer.lk news team would like to take this opportunity to wish the Air Vice Marshal all the very best in all his future endeavors!
