Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema assumes duties as Airport and Aviation Services Chairman

Saturday, 12 October 2024 01:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema

Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc qfi, assumed duties as the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (AASL) Chairman on Wednesday (9).

AASL is a fully Government-owned entity responsible for managing and developing civil international airports in Sri Lanka.

As the appointed agent of the Government of Sri Lanka, AASL represents the country in discharging the duties in the capacity of a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The company operates Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR), Jaffna International Airport (JIA) and Batticaloa Domestic Airport (BDA).

Born on 28 November 1960, he attended Royal College, Colombo, and joined the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) in 1980. He commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1982 and participated in combat operations in the separatist conflict.

Abeywickrema is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College at Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, USA, and the Royal College of Defence Studies, London, UK.

He holds a MA in International Studies from King’s College, University of London, and an MSc in Management from Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka.

He is an A2-graded Qualified Flying Instructor and holds a Commercial Pilot’s Licence with an Instrument Rating. He is a decorated combat pilot, holding two prestigious Rana Wickrama Padakkamas (Combat Gallantry Medals) and a Rana Sura Padakkama (Combat Excellence Medal).

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the nation, he was awarded the Uttama Seva Padakkama (Meritorious Service Medal) and the Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya (Distinguished Service Decoration).

Abeywickrema was a Director on the Board of Sunshine Holdings PLC from 2015 to 2023. He was also a Director of Brandix Lanka Ltd., from 2015 to 2022 and overlooked its administration and transport solutions.