16 Facts About Rohan Amerasekera

Rohan Amerasekera served as the third Commander of the Royal Ceylon Air Force.

Rohan Amerasekera previously served he had served as a navigator in the Royal Air Force during World War II, before qualifying as a pilot in the newly formed Royal Ceylon Air Force.

Rohan Amerasekera received his education at Wesley College, Colombo, Kingswood College, Kandy, St Mary's College, Kegalle and at the Pembroke Academy.

Rohan Amerasekera was commissioned while serving with No 158 Squadron as a Pilot Officer, General Duties Branch RAFVR.

Rohan Amerasekera returned to Ceylon in early 1946 and served at RAF Kandy, Ceylon as an interpreter until August 1946.

Rohan Amerasekera was released from service in July 1946 and resigned his commission on 4 November 1946 with permission to retain the rank Flight Lieutenant.

Rohan Amerasekera left this department on 15 May 1951 to join the newly formed Royal Ceylon Air Force under the command of Group Captain Graham Bladon, an officer seconded from the RAF.

Rohan Amerasekera trained on Chipmunks gaining is wings and was attached to the General Duties branch.

Rohan Amerasekera later trained in the Jet Provost under the guidance of Paddy Mendis.

Rohan Amerasekera then served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at the Air Headquarters in Colombo in May 1955 and thereafter Chief of Staff, Air Headquarters from May 1955 to December 1960.

Rohan Amerasekera attended the Senior Officers Course at the Imperial Defense College from January to December 1961.

Rohan Amerasekera then served as Senior Air Staff Officer, Air Headquarters from April 1962 to November 1962.

Rohan Amerasekera was confirmed in the rank of Air Commodore on 1 January 1964 and promoted to Air Vice-Marshal on 1 October 1967.

Rohan Amerasekera retired from the RCyAF on 31 December 1970 and was succeeded by Air Commodore Paddy Mendis.

Rohan Amerasekera Ameresekere died on 20 March 1974 at the young age of 57, and is survived by his widow Aloma whom he had married on 12 November 1958, and by his son and daughter.

Rohan Amerasekera was accorded a funeral with full military honours by the Government of Sri Lanka.