Roshan Goonetileke
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Marshal of the Air Force W. D. M. J. Roshan Goonetileke, RWP and bar, VSV, USP is a senior officer of the Sri Lanka Air Force. The current Governor of the Western Province.
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2020) |
Roshan Goonetileke | |
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11th Governor of the Western Province | |
Assumed office 24 March 2020 | |
President | Gotabaya Rajapaksa Ranil Wickramasinghe |
Preceded by | Seetha Arambepola |
Chief of the Defence Staff | |
In office 28 February 2011 – 1 August 2013 Acting: 16 November 2009 – 27 February 2011 | |
Preceded by | Sarath Fonseka |
Succeeded by | Jagath Jayasuriya |
Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force | |
In office 11 June 2006 – 27 February 2011 | |
Preceded by | Donald Perera |
Succeeded by | Harsha Abeywickrama |
Personal details | |
Born | (1956-02-28) 28 February 1956 (age 68) |
Nationality | Sri Lankan |
Spouse | Nelun Moonemalle |
Children | Rehan, Ronali |
Parent | Harry Goonatilake (Father) |
Alma mater | St. Peter's College, Colombo |
Occupation | Military Officer |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Sri Lanka |
Branch/service | Sri Lanka Air Force |
Years of service | 13 January 1978 – 1 August 2013 (35 years) [1] 2019 - Present |
Rank | Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force |
Commands | Commander of the Sri Lankan Air Force Chief of the Defence Staff |
Battles/wars | Sri Lankan Civil War |
Awards | |
Born to Air Chief Marshal Harry Goonatilake, he joined the Sri Lanka Air Force along with his younger brother Shirantha Goonatilake, who was later killed in action in 1995. Goonatilake served as a pilot in both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, flying operational sorties and served as the commanding officer of No. 03 Maritime Squadron and No. 04 Helicopter Wing. His higher commands included Zonal Commander and SLAF Base commander stints, Director Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations and Chief of Staff, before appointment as Commander of the Sri Lankan Air Force in 2007, serving till 2012. He was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff in 2009 in an acting capacity which was confirmed in 2012 and he step down 2013, retiring from the Air Force. He was restored to active service in 2019, when he became the first to be appointed to the rank of Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force.