Air Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) with effect from June 16.

Gunatilleke, who is the current Commander of the Sri Lankan Air Force, will take over from General Jagath Jayasuriya.

Air Marshal Kolitha Aravinda Gunatilleke joined the SLAF in 1980 as an Officer Cadet of the 8th Intake.  He graduated from the Air Force Academy, China Bay, and was commissioned a Pilot Officer in April 1982.  He was awarded his flying brevet on successful completion of his basic and advanced flying training.

He has accumulated over 4000 hours of flying in his roles as a transport pilot, an attack pilot   and as an instructor.

His service decorations and medals include the Vadamarachchi Medal(1989), Armed Service Long Service Medal(1994), Riviresa Campaign Service Medal(1999), North & East Operation Medal(2000), SLAF 50th Anniversary(2001), Utthama Seva Padakkama(2003), Armed Service Long Service Clasp (2003), North & East Humanitarian  Medal(2011), and the Vishishta Seva Vibushanaya(2011).

Air Marshal Gunatilleke assumed command of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) on March 01, 2014.

An Avid Sportsman, Air Marshal Gunatilleke had the distinction of being a member of the Badminton National Pool.  He has continued his involvement in sports in the sphere of sports administration as well having held appointments such as President National Rifle Association of Sri Lanka from 2007 to 2009, the Chairman Selection Committee -Badminton in 2010.  He serves as the present Chairman of the National Selection Committee.