Sri Lanka, Jan. 16 -- For the 4th Sri Lanka Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal Pathman Hariprasadha Mendis, flying was his main passion from a very young age. He is popularly referred to as "Paddy Mendis" and was born on January 24, 1933, as the middle child in a family of five.

"I was not very interested in studies, but during my school days, I played cricket, hockey, football etc. Although I was not very focused on studies, somehow I did that too. I passed my SSC in the first round itself. I was in S. Thomas boarding those days and when I travelled home, I used to watch the airplanes land and take off from Race Course and I was so fascinated. The Korean War was on those days and these fighter planes really interested me. Rakitha Wi...