title: Chandana Welikala
text: # Chandana Welikala
  
  Air Vice Marshal Chandana Welikala (also known as Chandana Prabath Welikala) USP is the Director of Administration for the Sri Lanka Air Force.
  
  ## Early life
  
  Born in 1963, Chandana initially schooled at Mahanama College Colombo and later attended Nalanda College, Colombo, where he excelled in studies and sports. He captained the Nalanda Athletics Team and was a Nalanda Junior Athletic captain.
  
  ## Career
  
  Chandana joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an officer cadet in April 1983 and was commissioned as a pilot officer in 1984. He has also been the Commander of the SLAF Wirawila Station, and was Deputy Director of Personnel Services prior to his appointment as Command Provost Marshal.
  
  Chandana is a recipient of service medals and decorations including Uttama Seva Padakkama for Meritorious Service, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, Riviresa Campaign Services Medal, Northern Humanitarian Operations Medal, and the Eastern Humanitarian Operations Medal.
  
  