(Lanka-e-News -23.Sep.2024, 11.00 pm) Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired) WWV, RWP and 2 bars, RSP and bar, USP, MMSc (Strat Stu- China), MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MSc (Def & Strat Stu), fndu (China), psc, has been appointed as the new Secretary of Defense by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He officially assumed his duties this evening (September 23) at the Ministry of Defense located at the Defense Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Following his appointment, the new Secretary of Defense held a special meeting with the Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Defense, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Tri-forces Commanders, and the Director of National Intelligence, among other defense officials.
Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha, a distinguished officer of the Sri Lanka Air Force, retired in November 2021 after completing over 33 years of distinguished military service. At the time of his retirement, he held the position of Director of Training of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Born on November 26, 1966, in Colombo, Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha received his education at the prestigious Thurstan College. During his school years, he displayed a strong interest in both academic activities and rugby. He represented the first XV rugby team of Thurstan College and was selected to represent the Colombo Schools Rugby Team in 1986.
In 1988, he joined the 19th Officer Cadet Course of the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet and was commissioned as a pilot officer in the General Duties Branch in 1990. During his training, he successfully completed the basic combat training course for cadet officers, basic flying training in the No. 1 Flying Training Wing, and both the basic and advanced helicopter training courses in the No. 7 Helicopter Squadron.
Upon successful completion of his training, he carried out flying operations on Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopters as a pilot in 1990. In 2001, he was appointed as the Officer Commanding Operations of the No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, and later, in 2005, he became the Commanding Officer of the squadron. Under his command, Mi-24 attack helicopters played a crucial role in providing firepower and protection for ground operations and naval vessels during military operations.
Prior to becoming Director of Training, Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha also served as the Commanding Officer of SLAF Base Anuradhapura, as the Commandant of the Chinese Bay College, and as the Commanding Officer of SLAF Base Katunayake. During his tenure at SLAF Base Katunayake, he became the first commanding officer of the Western Air Command of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha actively participated in all major operations, including the final humanitarian operation, contributing significantly to helicopter operations and VIP transport duties. Notably, as an attack helicopter pilot, he logged over 7,000 flying hours in service to the country.
In addition, he served as the Defense Advisor at the Sri Lankan High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan, for two years. In 2014, he was appointed as the Chief Air Advisor at the Defense Services Command and Staff College of Sri Lanka.
For his fearless actions against the enemy during humanitarian operations, risking his life, Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha has been honored on several occasions with medals such as the Weerodhara Vibushanaya, Rana Wickrama Padakkama, and Rana Sura Padakkama
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by (2024-09-24 18:32:49)
 Assumes Duties as the New Secretary of Defense..!)
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