Sunday Times 2
First ever Nalandian to be appointed Air Force Chief
View(s):Air Vice Marshal Gagan Bulathsinhala, a proud product of Nalanda College, Colombo became the first ever Nalandian to be the Commander of any of the three security forces and the Police in the 91-year history of the Forces when he was appointed Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Gagan started school at Nalanda from Grade One. A keen student and sportsman, he was a well respected senior prefect who showed his capabilities in maintaining discipline among the students. He joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as a Pilot Officer in 1981 and fought bravely in the eradication of terrorism from the country. Gagan was the founding Commanding Officer of the No. 6 helicopter squadron and has been the longest serving officer of the No. 4 VIP squadron.
A VVIP rated pilot with over 4,500 flying hours Gagan was awarded the “Ranawickrema Padakkama’ and ‘Ranasura Paddakkama’ for his brave efforts in the battlefield. He was also awarded the ‘Uttama Seva Paddakkama’ in addition to campaign and operational medals.
A Past President of the Nalanda College Buddhist Association, Gagan has not lost touch with the school and is the current President of the Senior Old Boys’ Association of the College.