Air Force Career of Air Marshal Mendis
The trajectory of Air Marshal Mendis's military career is a testament to the growth of the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF). Joining as one of the earliest recruits, he rose through the ranks to lead the force during one of its most challenging periods, leaving behind a legacy of structural and educational reform.
Early Training and Specialization
Mendis entered the newly formed Royal Ceylon Air Force on August 8, 1951, as the fifth recruit (1005 AC2) in the role of a Cadet Officer. To build a foundation of professional excellence, he and fellow Cadet Officer D. De S. Seneviratne were dispatched to Britain for training at the RAF College Cranwell, a premier institution for officer development.
Upon graduating on April 6, 1954, Mendis specialized in the De Havilland Vampire, a first-generation jet fighter. However, upon his return home in December 1954, a shift in government strategy prioritized transport aircraft over jet fighters. Consequently, Mendis transitioned his training to the Airspeed Oxford within the flying wing.
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Rise Through the Ranks
By 1959, Flight Lieutenant Mendis, alongside Flight Lieutenant Situnayake, attended the RAF Central Flying School to qualify as flying instructors. This expertise allowed him to serve as a flying instructor at the Royal Ceylon Air Force Flying School in Katunayake.
The 1960s marked a period of rapid promotion and leadership expansion. In 1961, when the single flying wing was divided into two squadrons, Squadron Leader Mendis was appointed to command the newly established No. 2 (Transport) Squadron, RCyAF. His professional development continued with a staff course at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington between 1961 and 1962.
Following his time at the staff college, he was promoted to Wing Commander and served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Air Force Headquarters in 1963. Later, as a Group Captain, he attended the Imperial Defence College in London in 1968 before being appointed Chief of Staff in December 1969.
Command and the 1971 Insurrection
On January 1, 1971, at the age of thirty-eight, Mendis reached the pinnacle of leadership when he was appointed Commander of the Air Force with the rank of Air Vice Marshal.
His leadership was immediately tested three months later during the 1971 JVP Insurrection. Despite limited aircraft and a lack of preparation for a full-scale uprising, the Air Force under Mendis's command responded effectively. The operation began with the transport of troops and supplies to besieged stations and evolved into ground attack missions. The insurrection was successfully brought under control within two months.
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Innovation and Institutional Legacy
Following the insurrection, the country faced severe economic difficulties, leading to drastic cuts in military spending. To ensure the Air Force remained operational, Mendis innovated by creating Helitours, a venture utilizing Air Force planes and pilots to generate necessary funding.
Beyond financial survival, Mendis focused on the long-term professionalization of the force. He established the current management structure, including the board of management, and founded several critical training institutions:
- Air Force Academy at SLAF China Bay: Dedicated to officer training.
- Electronic Maintenance and Training School at SLAF Ekala: Focused on technical specialization.
- Trade Training School at SLAF Katunayake: Designed for ground crew training.
Mendis retired from active service in 1976 holding the rank of Air Marshal.
Post-Retirement Contributions
After leaving the military, Mendis continued to serve the state in high-level aviation and civil roles. He served as the Chairman of Air Ceylon, the Commissioner General of Civil Defence and Aviation, a member of the Reserve Affairs Council, and the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
Key Facts
- Entry: Joined RCyAF on August 8, 1951, as the 5th recruit.
- Education: Trained at RAF College Cranwell and Imperial Defence College.
- Command: Appointed Commander of the Air Force on January 1, 1971.
- Crisis Management: Led the Air Force during the 1971 JVP Insurrection.
- Innovation: Founded Helitours to finance Air Force operations during economic downturns.
- Infrastructure: Established the Air Force Academy at SLAF China Bay.
| Year/Period | Rank/Role | Key Achievement/Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Cadet Officer | Joined RCyAF as 5th recruit |
| 1954 | Graduate Officer | Specialized in De Havilland Vampires |
| 1961 | Squadron Leader | Commanded No. 2 (Transport) Squadron |
| 1963 | Wing Commander | Senior Air Staff Officer, AFHQ |
| 1971 | Air Vice Marshal | Commander of the Air Force |
| 1976 | Air Marshal | Retired from service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Air Marshal Mendis receive his initial officer training?
He was sent to Britain to train at the RAF College Cranwell, graduating on April 6, 1954.
How did the Air Force handle the 1971 JVP Insurrection?
Under Mendis's command, the Air Force effectively responded by first transporting troops and supplies to attacked stations and subsequently conducting ground attacks to help bring the insurrection under control within two months.
What was the purpose of creating Helitours?
Helitours was created to use Air Force planes and pilots to generate revenue to finance the operations of the Air Force after military spending was drastically cut due to economic problems.
Which training institutions did Air Marshal Mendis establish?
He established the Air Force Academy at SLAF China Bay for officers, the Electronic Maintenance and Training school at SLAF Ekala, and the trade training school at SLAF Katunayake for ground crew.
What roles did he hold after retiring from the Air Force?
He served as the chairman of Air Ceylon, Commissioner General of Civil Defence and Aviation, a member of the Reserve Affairs Council, and chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.