Former Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshall Harsha Abeywickrema assumed duties as the new Bank of Ceylon (BoC) Chairman yesterday.

Abeywickrema joined the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) in 1980 as an Officer Cadet and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1982.

He has earned a Master of Arts Degree in International Studies from the King’s College University of London and an MSc in Management from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

He is also a graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies (UK) and the Air Command and Staff College of the Air University (USA). He has undergone a number of training courses and is a qualified flying instructor.

In 2006, he was appointed as the Director Operations and thereafter excelled as the Director Air Operations, where he made revolutionary changes with the establishment of a Battle Management Centre, which integrated the UAV, radar and other airborne observation platforms for real-time intelligence to develop an effective and efficient air defence mechanism, which was one of the most contributory factors behind the successful air operations.

He was appointed as the Commander of the Air Force in 2011 and served in that position till February 2014.

His philosophy of personal leadership was radiated amongst those commanding the various elements of the SLAF, providing the necessary guidance and support to meet their goals for the wellbeing of the organisation.