High expectations could enlighten career - former Air Force Chief

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

TRINCOMALEE: "Aim for the stars then you may end up at the moon at least," said former Air Force Chief Harry Goonatilake.

The former SLAF Commander was addressing the officers at the passing out of Junior Commanders Course at the China Bay Air Force Camp recently.

Goonatilake said, "Set yourself very high attainable standards and the best way to get about it is to say to yourself at every turn that you are not satisfied about being second best. That is the way to go forward," he said.

He said the learning curve and career advancement cannot be obtained by books only as it is an on the job effort goes on and on even after retirement, and what is required is the honesty, integrity and a good grasp and knowledge of the subject that they deal with.

He said the Junior Commanders' Course is the second great leap forward after commissioning nearly a decade ago and hoped a few of them would go to their respective services and be among the hierarchy.

Goonatilake recalling his pleasant memories in the past said he was the first permanent Station Commander at China Bay camp, forty years ago and his son, the present Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Roshan Goonatilake was then only ten years old. He was glad to re-visit the camp after many years.

Twenty two officers from Air Force, Navy and Army completed the course and passed out at this parade.