Air Commodore Chandimal Hettiarachchi was born on 12 May 1972 in Matara, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. He received his primary education at B/Koslanda Maha Vidyalaya and subsequently continued his education at Thurstan College, Colombo. He joined the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy as an Officer Cadet of the Intake XI on 17 October 1993 and was commissioned into the Sri Lanka Air Force as a Flying Officer in the Technical Engineering Branch on 17 October 1997. He graduated first in order of merit of Intake XI and was awarded the trophies for Best Student Officer in Aeronautical Engineering, Technical Stream, Military Studies and the Sri Lanka Air Force.
He has held a wide range of key appointments during his distinguished career in the Sri Lanka Air Force. He commenced his career as an Engineering Officer at No. 5 Jet Squadron and subsequently served in General Engineering appointments and as the first MTO at SLAF Base Vavuniya. He served as an Engineering Officer and Deputy Officer Commanding Maintenance at No. 6 Helicopter Squadron, Officer Commanding Maintenance at No. 14 Advanced Flying Training Squadron and Officer Commanding Maintenance at No. 1 Flying Training Wing. He also served as the Officer Commanding Training at the Sri Lanka Air Force Trade Training School, Ekala and as the Head of the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
He has subsequently held several important staff and command appointments including Staff Officer General Engineering I at Air Force Headquarters, the first Commanding Officer of the Armament Repair and Overhaul Wing, Command Research and Development Officer, Director Research and Development, Director Aircraft Ground Support and Armament, Director Quality Assurance and Director Aeronautical Engineering – Personnel and Planning. Prior to assuming duties as the Director General General Engineering, he served as the Director Aeronautical Engineering – Personnel and Planning at the Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering.
Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to the development of technical training, research and development, engineering support and operational capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force. His contributions include the development and modernization of technical training facilities, introduction of competency-based and internationally aligned training syllabi, advancement of research and development programmes, promotion of occupational safety and health, and implementation of initiatives in renewable energy and energy management.
Air Cdre Hettiarachchi has followed numerous professional and military courses both locally and overseas. His qualifications include the Aeronautical Engineering (M) Course at Air Force Technical College, Bangalore, the Junior Command and Staff Course at SLAF Academy China Bay, the Basic Staff School in Pakistan and the Defence Services Command and Staff Course at DSCSC, Sapugaskanda. He has also successfully completed an MSc in Defence Studies (Management) at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and a Master of Defence Studies at the University of Kelaniya. In addition, he has completed professional courses in Remote Sensing and Image Processing, Methods of Instruction, Technical Investigation, Training and Development, and Occupational Safety and Health.
In addition to his professional duties, he has contributed to the development of sports within the Sri Lanka Air Force and has served in several capacities in SLAF Baseball and Elle. He has also been involved in the organization of major national and international sporting events conducted in Sri Lanka.
Air Cdre C J Hettiarachchi is married to Mrs. Danushka Suraweera, a graduate and English teacher.
