Senior Directing Staff (Air Force)

Air Commodore ES Ponnamperuma USP MHRM Pg Dip (Con & Pea Stu) Pg Dip (Def Mgt) ndc
Senior Directing Staff (Air Force)

Air Commodore E.S. Ponnamperuma, born on June 4, 1972, in Galle, has established a distinguished career in the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) over more than three decades. His educational journey began at Richmond College, after which he joined the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) as an Officer Cadet in 1993. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Administrative Branch in 1995 following the successful completion of essential training courses at the SLAF Unit Diyatalawa and Academy China Bay.

Throughout his impressive 31-year service, Air Commodore Ponnamperuma has held numerous significant positions at various levels, showcasing his exceptional professionalism and dedication as an Administrative Officer. His roles have encompassed a broad range of responsibilities, including Human Resource Management and maintenance management across major SLAF Establishments and headquarters, as well as overseeing public and non-public accounting.

Prior to his current role as Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College of Sri Lanka, he served as the Director of Capital Welfare Projects and the Director of Accounts Administration at SLAF Headquarters for two consecutive years. His extensive training includes participation in various local and international courses, such as the Junior Command and Staff Course at the SLAF Academy, the National Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College in Colombo, and the Basic Professional Knowledge Course at the Air Force Administration College in Coimbatore, India. He has also represented the SLAF during staff visits and tours in countries including Bangladesh, Germany, and Pakistan, and served as an Air Scout leader in the Philippines.

Academically, he holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Colombo, along with two Postgraduate Diplomas in Peace and Conflict Studies and Defence Management. Currently, he is pursuing a Master's of Philosophy at Sir John Kothalawala Defence University. His exemplary military career has been recognized with multiple honours, including the Armed Services Long Service Medal, the Uththama Seva Padakkama (USP), and ten additional campaign and service medals.

Air Commodore Ponnamperuma is married to Group Captain Nadeeja Warapitiya (Retd), a lawyer, and they have a son and a daughter. In addition to his military career, he is actively involved in community service, particularly in scouting, as a qualified Air Scout leader and serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Air Scout Troop of the Sri Lanka Air Force.