Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha Appointed as Sri Lanka’s New Defence Secretary
Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha has been appointed as the new Secretary of Defence of Sri Lanka. A seasoned officer, Thuyacontha began his career in the Sri Lanka Air Force in May 1988, and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the General Duties Pilot Branch in 1990.
Thuyacontha’s distinguished service includes key deployments as an operational pilot flying Bell helicopters and later commanding the No 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron during the pivotal Humanitarian War, logging over 7,000 flying hours. His leadership extended beyond the battlefield, serving as the Defense Adviser to Sri Lanka’s High Commission in Pakistan and as Chief Instructor at the Defence Services Command and Staff College.
For his bravery, Thuyacontha has been awarded several prestigious military honors, including the Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya (WWV), Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP), and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP).
His vast experience and leadership will be crucial as he assumes his new role, contributing to Sri Lanka’s national security and defence strategy.
Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha
Last modified: September 24, 2024
