Sri Lanka, Nov. 9 -- Newly appointed Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana speaks to the Daily News on his vision for the SLAF

The 18th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana is no doubt the most experienced pilot clocking over 3,500 flying hours and having experience in flying over 10 types of aircraft. He was adjudged the Best Cadet in the 14th Officer Cadet Intake in the SLAF.

He was one of the six SLAF pilots to convert to supersonic F7 fighter aircraft and the only pilot in Sri Lanka to have reached an altitude of 66,000 feet. This dynamic pilot has also commanded all three fighter squadrons on one occasion and was the first SLAF officer to be awarded the prestigious Masters in O...