Air Vice Marshal Waruna Gunawardana (Retd)

Former Deputy Chief of Staff – Sri Lanka Air Force

Air Vice Marshal Waruna Gunawardana (Retd) served in the Sri Lanka Air Force with over 36 years of distinguished service before joining the private sector after retirement. Enlisting in 1988 as an Officer Cadet, he steadily rose through the ranks and held the prestigious appointment of Deputy Chief of Staff in 2023/24.

During his career, he held several key appointments including Director General Ground Operations, Commanding Officer Air Force Colombo, Commanding Officer of Ampara, Diyatalawa and Puttlam bases, Senior Instructor at the National Defence College, Stadium Manager at R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium, Chief Instructor at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training School, and President of the National Rifle Association.

He oversaw the security of Air Force camps and international airports across Sri Lanka, supervising over 11,500 personnel engaged in security and VIP protection duties. He also coordinated disaster relief operations, led men during natural calamities, and served as Chief Coordinator of national and international events including GHOGM, SAF Games, and state visits.

His academic and professional training includes the Defence Services Command and Staff Course (PSC), MSc in Defence Management (University of Kelaniya), Higher Defence Junior Commanders Course (India), Humanitarian Demining Course (Pakistan), National Defence Course (Bangladesh), Human Rights Course (Italy), Executive Leadership Course (UK), Conflict Resolution Training (Hawaii, USA), and many other specialized programs.

An accomplished sportsman, he earned National Colours in athletics and represented the Sri Lanka Air Force in athletics, soccer, and shooting. He managed the Sri Lanka Shooting Team at World Military Games in China and Qatar and represented Sri Lanka at the International Shooting Federation (ISSF) AGM in Germany. He also chaired the Air Force Sports Advisory Board and the Defence Services Games Organizing Committee.

He was awarded the RSP Gallantry Medal for bravery, USP Medal for distinguished service, and multiple commendations for outstanding contributions during his service.