Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Retired Air Chief Marshal Named Chancellor of Defence University
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Air Chief Marshal Kolitha A. Gunathilake (Retd.) to lead General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. The appointment letter was formally presented at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Air Chief Marshal Kolitha A. Gunathilake (Retd.) has assumed the role of Chancellor at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, following his appointment by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The formal letter of appointment was handed over to the retired senior military officer by Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, during a ceremony at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday afternoon.
The appointment marks a significant leadership transition at the defence institution, which serves as a premier educational establishment for military training and development. Air Chief Marshal Gunathilake brings extensive experience from his distinguished military career, having previously held the highest operational position within Sri Lanka's air force.
As Chancellor, Air Chief Marshal Gunathilake will oversee the university's academic and administrative functions, playing a key role in shaping the institution's strategic direction and development initiatives. The appointment underscores the government's emphasis on securing experienced leadership for the defence university.