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Air Chief Marshal WDRMJ
Goonetileke
RWP & bar, VSV, USP, ndc, psc
Chief of Defence Staff |
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Air chief Marshal W.D.R.M.J Goonetileke
was born on 28 February1956. He completed his education at
St. Peter's College, Bambalapitiya where he excelled both in
studies and in sports. He is the elder son of the 5th
Commander of the Air Force Air chief Marshal Harry
Goonetileke.
Air chief Marshal Goonetileke joined the
Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet in the General
Duties Pilot Branch on 13 January1978. On successful
completion of flying training, he was commissioned in the
rank of Pilot Officer on 24 August1979.
During his illustrious career of 28 years,
he has held a number of command, operational and
administrative appointments. Having logged many flying hours
both in fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft; he served in
the capacity of an operational pilot as the Commanding
Officer of No 03 Maritime Squadron and the Commanding
Officer of No. 04 Helicopter Wing. He took up senior
operational command appointments as the Zonal Commander
Northern Zone and Zonal Commander Eastern Zone.
He has also commanded Air Force Base in
Katunayake, Anuradapura and China Bay. He served a very
successful tenure as the Director of Operations / Deputy
Chief of Staff Operations of the Air Force before being
appointed the Chief of Staff, until he took over office as
the 12th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force on 11 June
2006.
On 18 May 2009, with the successful
conclusion of the Humanitarian Operations, he was promoted
to the rank of Air Chief Marshal by the HE the President in
appreciation of the valuable service rendered. His promotion
was very significant as he was the only Air Force Commander
to be promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal whilst on
active service.
On 05 October 2009 he was appointed the
Chairmen of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka by HE
the President in addition to his duties as the Commander of
the Sri Lanka Air Force. Further, he has also been vested
upon the duties and responsibilities of over looking the
office of the Chief of Defence Staff apart from the afore
said.
Air Chief Marshal Goonetileke graduated
from the Air Command and Staff College, Air University,
Alabama, USA in 1994 and had also attended the prestigious
National Defence College in Pakistan in 2001. In recognition
of his distinguished service career he has been awarded the
Uttama Seva Padakkama. He has been decorated with the 'Rana
Wickrama Padakkama' for bravery displayed in the face of the
enemy whilst engaged in operations on two occations. Air
chief Marshal Goonetileke, is married to Nelun. They are
blessed with son Rehan and daughter Ronali.
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