Air Vice Marshal Padman De Costa has been appointed to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, effective August 18, 2026, following a career spanning over three decades in military service.
Air Vice Marshal Padman De Costa has assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, with the appointment taking effect on August 18, 2026. Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the Commander of the Air Force, formally presented the letter of appointment at Air Force Headquarters and extended his congratulations to the newly appointed official.
De Costa's military career spans more than three decades, beginning when he joined the Air Force in August 1993 as an Officer Cadet in the 26th Intake. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Administrative Branch in April 1995. Throughout his service, he has held multiple senior positions within the military establishment, including roles as Staff Officer Administration to three different Air Force Commanders, Secretary to the Chief of Defence Staff, and Deputy Provost Marshal.
His administrative responsibilities have extended to Air Force Headquarters, where he served as Acting Director Provost. De Costa also contributed to institutional military education as Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College of Sri Lanka, and represented the Defence Ministry in his capacity as Military Liaison Officer at the Ministry of Defence.
Beyond his core military duties, De Costa has been active in sports administration and representation. He participated in volleyball with the SLAF Men's Volleyball Team, which achieved success in domestic competitions. He currently holds the position of President of the Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Committee within the International Military Sports Council, indicating his broader involvement in international military sporting initiatives.
