Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe Appointed Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force
Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe has been named the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), with his appointment taking effect on 29 January 2025.
He succeeds Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksha, who is set to retire on the same day. Born on 20 June 1970 in Kandy, Edirisinghe is a distinguished alumnus of St. Sylvester’s College. Joining the SLAF as an Officer Cadet in 1991 through its 24th intake, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the General Duties Pilot Branch in 1993.
Edirisinghe’s early career saw him excelling in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing training. His expertise in helicopter operations began in 1993, leading to his deployment in the Bell 212 utility helicopter squadron. Over his career, he has logged over 7,000 flying hours and has earned recognition as an A2-rated Helicopter Instructor, a Night Vision Goggle (NVG) flying instructor, and an Instrument Rating Examiner.
His academic credentials include completing the prestigious Air University Staff Course in the USA and earning the title of ‘ndc’ from the National Defence College in China. His extensive training portfolio includes courses in Bangladesh, India, and Singapore, as well as serving as Defence Attaché for Sri Lanka’s High Commission in Pakistan in 2011.
In operational roles, Edirisinghe has commanded numerous helicopter squadrons and held pivotal appointments such as Base Commander of SLAF Bases Anuradhapura and Hingurakgoda. Notably, he has served as the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy in China Bay and Acting Air Commander for the Eastern Air Command.
Most recently, he has held senior positions, including Director Training, Director Air Operations, and Director General Planning within the SLAF.
For his valor and exemplary service, Edirisinghe has been awarded the “Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya,” “Rana Wickrama Padakkama,” and “Rana Sura Padakkama” on three occasions, along with the “Uttama Seva Padakkama.”
With a career marked by exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and service to the nation, Air Vice Marshal Edirisinghe is poised to guide the SLAF into a new era.