Air Vice Marshal Asitha Hettiarachchi, born in 1971, is a distinguished and highly esteemed senior officer of the Sri Lanka Air Force, renowned for his exemplary service and leadership. His illustrious journey began when he joined the 28th Intake of Officer Cadets at the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy, China Bay, on 9th August 1994. His formative years were spent at Isipathana College, Colombo, where he excelled both academically and in leadership foreshadowing his future contributions to the nation.

Demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, Air Vice Marshal Asitha Hettiarachchi pursued higher studies at Asia e University, Malaysia, where he was conferred with an Executive Master Degree in Information Security. 

Upon the successful completion of his cadet training, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Logistics Branch on 8th May 1996. In this capacity, He rendered distinguished service as a Load Master, accruing invaluable operational flying hours on the AN-32 aircraft during pivotal periods of conflict.

With the dawn of the information technology era within the SLAF, Air Vice Marshal Asitha Hettiarachchi emerged as an idealistic leader. Leveraging his expertise, he played a pioneering role in the establishment of the Information Technology Engineering Branch in 2000, significantly advancing the Air Force’s technological capabilities. 

Throughout his career, Air Vice Marshal Asitha Hettiarachchi has held numerous pivotal appointments. He commenced his service as Officer-in-Charge of the Information Technology Division, where his dedication and professionalism earned him command of No. 1 Information Technology Wing at SLAF Base Ratmalana. There, he spearheaded the development of automation systems, further modernizing SLAF operations.

As Commanding Officer of No. 2 Information Technology Wing at the SLAF Trade Training School, Ekala, he was influential in developing and revitalizing the SLAF’s data network backbone, ensuring robust and secure communications across the Force. His expertise was further recognized through critical staff appointments, including Staff Officer I and subsequently Senior Staff Officer in Information Technology at Air Force Headquarters.

Air Vice Marshal Hettiarachchi also served as Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Katukurunda, where he played a dynamic role in the research, development and operational deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), contributing to the SLAF’s strategic capabilities in modern warfare.

In 2023, Air Vice Marshal Hettiarachchi was appointed as the Director of Information Technology for the Sri Lanka Air Force. In this esteemed role, he has been at the forefront of enhancing information security and strengthening the cybersecurity infrastructure of the Air Force, ensuring its resilience in the digital age.

His professional development is marked by the successful completion of basic combat and administrative training at the Combat Training School, Diyatalawa, in 1994, as well as advanced leadership and strategic management courses. Notably, he completed the Junior Command and Staff Course at SLAF Academy China Bay and earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Defence Strategic Management, further sharpening his command acumen.

In recognition of his exemplary service and unwavering dedication, Air Vice Marshal Asitha Hettiarachchi has been decorated with the prestigious “Uttama Sewa Padakkama,” for his integrity and commitment to duty.

Beyond his operational and technical achievements, Air Vice Marshal Asitha Hettiarachchi also serves as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Air Force Rowing and Kayaking Association, promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie within the Force.

He is happly married to Mrs. Jayamini Kumarasinghe and blessed with a son, Gawrike.