A Distinguished Journey in the Sri Lanka Air Force
Air Chief Marshal R. A. U. P. Udeni Priyadarshana Rajapaksa, the 19th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, stands as one of the most respected figures in the nation’s military history. With more than three decades of service, he has left behind a legacy of courage, leadership, and dedication.
Born on 29 January 1969 in Ihalagama, Gampaha, Rajapaksa pursued his early education at Parakrama Vidyalaya and Bandaranayake College, Gampaha, before moving to Ananda College, Colombo, for his secondary studies. In 1988, he joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an officer cadet and began a career that would span over 36 years.
Rajapaksa underwent flight training at the No. 1 Flying Training Wing, Anuradhapura, where he was recognized as the Best Flight Cadet of his intake. He was later commissioned as a pilot officer in 1990, beginning his journey as a combat and transport pilot.
Over the years, he mastered multiple aircraft, including the IA-58 Pucará, SF-260TP, Y-12, HS-748, Beechcraft 200, AN-32, and C-130 Hercules, accumulating more than 7,000 flying hours. He also earned a Master Green Instrument Rating and held a civil Air Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL), a rare achievement among military aviators.
During his career, Rajapaksa held several critical command appointments, including Base Commander at Hingurakgoda, Vavuniya, and Katunayake, as well as serving as Defence Attaché in Russia. He later became Director of Air Operations and Commandant of the SLAF Academy, China Bay, before being appointed Air Secretary at Air Force Headquarters.
In recognition of his bravery, he was awarded the Rana Wickrama Padakkama twice, along with several other service decorations such as the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya and Uttama Seva Padakkama.
On 30 June 2023, Rajapaksa was appointed as the 19th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, succeeding Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. His tenure was marked by a focus on modernization, training, and strengthening international partnerships.
He officially retired from active service in January 2025, concluding a remarkable career that blended operational excellence with strategic leadership.
Away from his military duties, Rajapaksa was also a sportsman, excelling in golf, tennis, and table tennis. He notably won the Commander’s Cup Golf – Eagles’ Challenge Trophy in 2021. As well as married to Inoka, he is a proud father of two children.
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