Sri Lanka Navy

Born on 10^th October 1938 Admiral W.W.E.C. Fernando was educated at the Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa. He was enlisted to Sri Lanka Navy as an officer cadet on 17^th December 1953, and on completion of 05 months of basic training in the country proceeded for training at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, United Kingdom. He was promoted to Midshipman in 1959, Acting Sub Lieutenant in 1960 and Sub Lieutenant on 01^st March 1962. He was promoted to the ranks of Lieutenant on 01^st April 1963, Lieutenant Commander on 01^st April 1971 and Commander on 01^st March 1978. He was thereafter promoted to the ranks of Captain and Commodore on 01^st January 1984 and 01^st July 1986 respectively. In 1991, he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral and the Chief of Staff of Navy, and Vice Admiral on appointment to the office of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Admiral W.W.E.C. Fernando held the memberships of the British Institute of Management, and the Nautical Institute of U.K and had obtained a Master’s Degree in Defence Studies. He had also been conferred with the certificate of Master Mariners. He was the first President of Sri Lanka Branch of the Nautical Institute of U.K.

To his immense credit, he devised the first ever cryptography system, 'SINHALE' in SLN, and authored the book on ‘Customs and etiquettes of Services’.

Amongst the courses he had followed, Sea Training on board Pakistani Naval Flotilla from 15^th January 1963 to 12^th August 1963, Communication Specialization Course at INS Vendurathi, India from 01^st September 1976 to 16^th March 1977, Staff Course at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India from 01^st January 1977 to 01^st December 1977 and National Defence College Course in New Delhi from 03^rd January 1987 stand out.

Admiral W.W.E.C. Fernando had been awarded Ceylon Armed Services Long Services Medal and Clasp, Sri Lanka Navy 25^th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal and Clasp, Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal, President’s Inauguration Medal, Purna Bhumi Medal and Vishishta Seva Vibushanaya Medal.

He was targeted by LTTE for intensifying war to cut their MSR and assassinated in Colombo by suicide bomber on 16^th November 1992; and was posthumously promoted to the rank of Admiral.

Admiral Sandagiri was born in 1947 and received his education from the St. Mary's College, Veyangoda and Kegalle Maha Vidyalaya. Upon joining the Sri Lanka Navy on 14thNovember 1966, he was privileged to become a member of the very first officer cadet intake of the prestigious Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) on 01^st July 1969. After being commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant on 01^st July 1973, he followed the specialization course in Gunnery and successfully completed the Master’s Degree at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Wellington, India. He was promoted to the rank of Commander on 01^st January 1985 and subsequently held several key appointments such as Regulating and Security Officer, Staff Officer Welfare, Staff Officer Communication, Staff Officer Intelligence and Deputy Director Naval Operations before being promoted to the ranks of Captain and Commodore on 01^st April 1989 and 01^st February 1992 respectively. The Admiral has also achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee. Apart from that, he held office as the Commander of Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern Naval Areas as well. Moreover, Admiral Sandagiri has secured the rare opportunity of serving under 4 previous Commanders of the Navy, as Director Naval Operations. Further, he was honoured to be the first officer being selected to follow the Royal Defence Staff Course in UK in 1996. Having been promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on 08^th March 1997, he was appointed as the Chef of Staff of the Navy on 01^st April 1998. During his tenure as the Commander Northern Naval Area, the Admiral played a key role in construction of the causeway to join the Kareinagar Island and Jaffna Peninsula. Besides, he undertook a range of meritorious deeds including the construction of a temple in Dambakola Patuna, the place where Theri Sangamiththa landed with the Bo Sapling, reconstruction of the Girihandu Seya destroyed by the LTTE and reconstruction of the road leading to the temple. On being appointed as the Commander of the Navy on 01^stJanuary 2001, Vice Admiral Sandagiri worked his heart out to initiate relief measures for the communities battered by the Tsunami devastation in 2004 and reconstruct naval facilities destroyed by the same calamity. He has also held positions as the Deputy Chairman and the Secretary of Sri Lanka National Volleyball Federation and the President of Sri Lanka Basketball Federation. Thereupon, the Admiral was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff on 15^th September 2004 by Her Excellency the President. He holds the record to become the first naval officer to receive this honour, from the National Security Council. On 01^st September 2005 he was promoted to the rank of Admiral. Mrs. Perl Sandagiri is his beloved wife who is a graduate (BSc) teacher. They are blessed with two sons; Yasuru Sandagiri and Chathura Sandagiri.

Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda assumed Command of the Sri Lanka Navy on 01^st September 2005. In the 59-year history of the Sri Lanka Navy, he is the only officer to be considered to the highest seat of the Commander of the Navy straight from a Naval Area Command.

He has achieved many firsts in his distinguished, decorative and unblemished Naval Career. Incidentally, he is the first Naval Officer to be conferred with two Masters Degrees. He possesses Masters in Business Administration as well as in Defence Studies. He is also a member of the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Nautical Institute of the United Kingdom.

He is a distinguished alumni of the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii as well as the Near East-South Asia Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defence University in Washington D.C. He has the unique distinction of attending the Royal Naval Staff College in the United Kingdom in 1987 and prestigious National Defence College in Pakistan in 2000 and graduated from institutions with distinction.

He has commanded the four Operational Naval Commands on seven occasions - Northern, Eastern and Western Commands twice each and North Central once, for a total period spanning six years. He has aptly displayed his administrative skills as a Area Commander and won the administration and accolades of the ‘Naval Family' for his ardent desire to boost up the infrastructure and living standards by successfully completing the projects with Naval resources and saving considerable sums of money.

Admiral Karannagoda was the first ever Director General (Operations) at Naval Headquarters. Prior to that he served as Director Naval Operations, Director Naval Projects and Plans as well as Director Naval Personnel and Training.

He had the honour of serving as the Commandant of the Naval & Maritime Academy, which certainly had an influence in his professional career. He also had served in the appointments of Deputy Area Commander (West), Deputy Area Commander (North) and Deputy Area Commander (East).

As a specialized Navigator, he has held numerous appointments onboard Naval ships. He easily counts long years at sea and his sea career culminated in 1992 onboard SLNS Wickrama with the relinquishing of command and duties as the Commander of the 7^th Surveillance Command Squadron.

Admiral Karannagoda was promoted to his present rank of Admiral by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in appreciation of his contributions to win the battle against LTTE Terrorism and being the key personality behind the country’s Naval Strategy. In the annals of its illustrious history spanning well over 59 years, Admiral Karannagoda has become the first ever Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy to hold the prestigious four star rank while in the active Naval service.

He is a recipient of the Rana Sura Padakkama for gallantry. Among the other medals awarded to him are Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya, Uttama Seva Padakkama, Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Service Medal, Sri Lanka Navy 50^th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Service Long Service Medal, President's Inauguration Medal, 50^th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, North and East Operation Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama and Riviresa Campaign Service Medal.

Admiral TSG Samarasinghe having joined the Sri Lanka Navy in 1974 as an Officer Cadet won the “Sword of Honour” of the 4^th Intake at the Naval & Maritime Academy Trincomalee. He also achieved the Best International Midshipman award at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth UK in 1976 along with the prestigious appointment of Divisional Sub Lieutenant. Admiral TSG Samarasinghe is a Specialist Navigator graduated from Navigation and Direction school INS Venduruthy India securing 01^st place in order of merit.

He has held number of key appointments both afloat and ashore. His sea commands include Short Patrol Craft, Long Patrol Craft, Fast Attack Craft (one of the first two Dovra Israel craft to join the SLN fleet in 1985), Fast Gun Boats, Surveillance Command Tender and Surveillance Command Ship (Then Flag Ship). He counts over 7 years of sea time out of which over 4 ½ years in command at sea. He has commanded an operational shore base in the North and been Commandant and Training Commander of two premier training establishments in addition to holding key Staff and Deputy Director / Director appointments at Naval Headquarters.

Having served as the Deputy Area Commander of Northern and Eastern Naval Areas during operationally active periods and also the Southern area, he was appointed Commander of Southern Naval Area in 2002. He has the distinction of being the first Director General Services (2004) whilst concurrently holding the appointments of Director Naval Projects & Plans, the Naval Assistant to Commander of the Navy and Principal Staff Officer of the Joint Operations Headquarters under Chief of Defence Staff. He has led Naval Delegations to India, Russia, Israel and USA (1995 – 2006) on bilateral issues.

In addition to being a distinguished graduate of the Naval Staff College (Class 38) from Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island – USA in 1991, Vice Admiral is an award winning distinguished graduate from the prestigious National Defence College – New Delhi in 2005 (45^st Course).

His award winning thesis on “Strategy to Defeat Maritime Terrorism” at National Defence College – Delhi and seminar paper on Indo – Sri Lanka “Sustainable Cooperative Security Challenges and Options” at National Maritime Foundation – India are published documents.

While holding the Rank of Commodore, he participated in the Executive Course on Security Studies in 2003 at Asia Pacific Centre for Security studies, Hawaii, USA. He was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate from among 91 students from different countries.

He is a recipient of 05 commendations letters from four Commanders of the Navy (1977 to 2006).He was also selected to be a member of Presidential and Prime Ministerial delegations on state visits to Libya (2009) and Indonesia (2006) respectively.

With the start of the humanitarian operations to liberate the East and North he was made the Acting Commander Northern Naval Area (Dec 2005), Director General Operations – NHQ (2006), Commander Eastern Naval Area (2007), Commander Northern Naval (2008). During the period LTTE floating arms warehouses were destroyed he was the Director General Operations and Commander Eastern Naval Area 2006 to 2008. He was elevated to the post of Chief of Staff in May 2009. He is a recipient of Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for gallantry at sea, Vishista Seva Vibhushana (VSV) in recognition of his devotion, dedication to the country with an unblemished career record and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for meritorious and distinguished service.

Sport Assignments :

Represented Sri Lanka Navy at Cricket (1978 to 1988)

Chairman of Sri Lanka Navy - Cricket (1998), Rugby (1986 to 1989 and 2004), Athletics (1984), Musketry(1997)

Council Member of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (2004)

National Assignments :

Selected as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to His Royal Highness Prince of Wales during his state visit to Sri Lanka for 50^th Anniversary Independence Day Celebrations 1998.

Pioneering member of National High Level Task Force to prepare the Sri Lanka's claim for Delimitation of the Outer Edge of Continental Margin as per UNCLOS Article 76 and Annex II. DEOCOM Project 1999 onwards. President of National Rifle Association for 10^th SARRC Games - 2006.

He is an Old Boy of Royal College, Colombo (1960 – 1974) with the following record.

Senior Prefect (1973 – 74), Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM)(03^rd Battalion Sri Lanka Cadet Corps – 1973), Athletics colour – 1972, Captain ‘A’ Team Cricket – 1973, Vice Captain Senior Athletics Team – 1973

He is the second son of Mr. Francis Samarasinghe, of former Sri Lanka administrative service and Mrs. Umawathie Samarasinghe former teacher of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda. His parent hail from Palatuwa, Malimbada and Puhulwella, Hakmana. He is married to Malathie and blessed with daughter Nadeesha (18) and son Harith (13).

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has been pleased to promote Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral D. W. A. S. Dissanayake, WV, RSP & Bar, VSV, USP, ndc, to the four-star rank of Admiral. He became the 17^th Naval Officer to reach the helm of the glorious Naval Service and assumed the Command on 15^th January 2011.

In July 2009, His Excellency the President in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces appointed him as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy in recognition of his invaluable contributions towards eliminating terrorism from the Motherland. Subsequently, he was appointed the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and promoted to the three-star rank of Vice Admiral on 15^th January 2011.

It was Admiral Dissanayake who spearheaded the decisive Naval Operations in Northern waters during the victorious final battle against the LTTE as the Northern Naval Commander. In the 60-year history of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral Dissanayake is the most decorated Naval Officer and befittingly he has been elevated to the highest seat of the Commander of the Navy. He survived a LTTE suicidal attack and in the process rescued the life of a comrade and was bestowed with the WeerodaraVibhushanaya for his bravery. He has been decorated for gallantry with two RanaSuraPadakkamas and also has been awarded the VishistaSevaVibhushanaya, the UttamaSevaPadakkama and eleven commemorative, campaign and service medals. Besides, he is the recipient of three decorative badges which include the 5-star Commendation Badge.

Admiral Dissanayake joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet on 01^st June 1977 and successfully completed his basic training at the renowned Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalle before attending the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course in India. As a young officer, he also attended the International Warfare Course of the British Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. His sea service exceeds 08 years whilst the duration served in the Northern and Eastern operational Commands accounts for 15 years. Admiral Dissanayake has served as the Director General Operations and Director General Services at Naval Headquarters. He has commanded the Southern Naval Area as well. Prior to that, he had served as the Director Naval Administration, Director Naval Personnel as well as the Director Naval Welfare. Besides, he held key sports administration posts such as Secretary of the Defence Services Sports Board and Secretary of the Sri Lanka Navy Sports Board. Admiral Dissanayake is a distinguished graduate of the prestigious National Defence College in New Delhi, India and recipient of a Masters in Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies with a first class distinction. Also, he has a Masters in Management on Defence Studies from the Kotelawala Defence University. He is a distinguished alumnus of the National Defence University in Washington D.C., USA and the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, USA. He is also a member of the prestigious Nautical Institute of the United Kingdom. He served as the Defence Adviser to Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi, India from 1998 to 2001, becoming the first officer to be appointed a Defence Advisor in the recent history. He was instrumental in initiating military purchases from India including the Naval Ship ‘Sayura’ and establishing Bi-annual Ops Review Meetings, International Maritime Boundary Line Meetings and direct communication links between the Sri Lankan and Indian Navy Headquarters. Admiral Dissanayake has the unique feat of spearheading the first destruction of the LTTE Craft with 19 LTTE cadres in a daring sea battle North of Kankesanthurai in 1984 as a young officer. Also, he has 30 individual interceptions and destructions at sea to his credit whilst holding Sea Commands of Inshore Patrol Craft, Fast Attack Craft and Fast Gun Boats. He becomes the first Naval Officer to reach the highest echelon of the Naval Service having commanded the elite Fast Attack Craft Squadron. Vice Admiral Dissanayake has actively participated in almost all Joint Operations including the renowned Vadamarachchi, Balawegaya and Riviresa operations. He has commanded numerous Naval Operations including Mullativu landing and evacuation operations in 1996. Admiral Dissanayake is one of the most commended Naval Officers. Successive Commanders of the Navy have issued him with ‘Letters of Commendations’ for exceptional execution of duties and responsibilities and for his achievements in numerous fields such as operational activities, developing infrastructure for war with innovativeness, construction field, managerial and administrative ability, academic achievements, creativity, artistic talents and highest commitment and dedication towards the cause of the nation. Hailing from a family well known in the Sri Lankan artistic scene, he is a talented and a popular poet and a lyrist in the art world and has created number of very popular songs. He married Neluka in 1983 and is blessed with a small knit family of a daughter Madhu and a son Ruwanara and both are graduates. Admiral Dissanayake had his entire education at Mayurapada Central College, Narammala and becomes the first military officer to reach the pinnacle of a Military Service amongst products of Central Colleges in Sri Lanka. He is also the first to do so from the North Western Province which has the highest percentage of military personnel in any service.

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, appointed Admiral Jayanath Colombage, RSP, VSV, USP, rcds, psc, as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy with effect from 27^th September 2012. He is the 18^th Naval Officer to reach the helm in the 63-year history of the glorious Naval Service. He was promoted to the 4-star rank of Admiral with effect from 28th June 2014.Admiral Colombage is only the second officer to be considered to the highest seat of the Commander of the Navy straight from an Operational Naval Command. Prior to his elevation to the post of Commander of the Navy, he served as the Commander Eastern Naval Area at the historical Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee. He has achieved many firsts in his distinguished, decorative and unblemished naval career of 36 years. He has been conferred with two Masters Degrees - Master of Science in Defence Studies and Master of Arts in International Studies. Presently, Admiral Colombage is reading for his Doctorate in Philosophy.

Having served as the Deputy Area Commander of Northern and Eastern Naval Areas during operationally active periods and also the Southern area, he was appointed Commander of Southern Naval Area in 2002. He has the distinction of being the first Director General Services (2004) whilst concurrently holding the appointments of Director Naval Projects & Plans, the Naval Assistant to Commander of the Navy and Principal Staff Officer of the Joint Operations Headquarters under Chief of Defence Staff. He has led Naval Delegations to India, Russia, Israel and USA (1995 – 2006) on bilateral issues.

Admiral Colombage has been a regular lecturer at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Colombo since its inception. He is an expert in Maritime Security and has published papers and conducted National Level Seminars on Maritime Security and certified by the International Maritime Organization as a lecturer in International Conventions on Port and Ship Security. He has presented many papers on Maritime Terrorism related subjects within Sri Lanka as well as at international forums. He has published a book titled ‘Naval Terms and Expressions’ and actively contributes to various academic forums.

He is a distinguished alumni of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington in India, Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, Hawaii in the United States of America and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom. He is also an Associate of the Nautical Institute of the United Kingdom and currently the President of the Sri Lanka Chapter. Also, he holds Diplomas in Security Studies, Conflict Resolution, International Affairs and Information Technology.

Admiral Colombage joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet on 23^rd August 1978 and successfully completed his basic training at the renowned Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee winning the ‘Sword of Honour’ for the Best Officer Cadet of the 7^th Intake. He was then selected to attend the prestigious International Midshipmen Course in the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in the United Kingdom.

He has commanded four Operational Naval Commands - Eastern, Northern, Western and North Central for a period spanning 4 years. Also, he served twice as the Director General Operations at the Naval Headquarters. Prior to that he served as the Director General Services as well as Director Naval Training and Personnel. He had also served in the appointments of Deputy Area Commander (North Central), Deputy Area Commander (South) and Deputy Area Commander (East).

Admiral Colombage has commanded numerous ships of the Sri Lanka Navy including the Fast Missile Vessels, Fast Gun Boats, Fast Attack Craft and Amphibious ships and has been awarded the Surface Warfare Badge. He is a weapon specialist who has undergone extensive training with the Indian Navy and in the People’s Republic of China.

He is a recipient of the Rana Sura Padakkama for gallantry. Among the other medals awarded are the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya, the Utthama Seva Padakkama, the Sri Lanka Navy 50^th Anniversary Medal, the Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, the President’s Inauguration Medal, the 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, the East Humanitarian Operation Medal, the North Humanitarian Operation Medal, the North and East Operations Medal, the Purna Bhumi Padakkama, the Vadamarachchi Operation Medal and the Riviresa Campaign Service Medal.

Admiral Colombage is one of the most commended Naval Officers. Successive Commanders of the Navy have issued him with ‘Letters of Commendation’ for exceptional execution of duties and responsibilities and for his achievements in numerous fields such as operational activities, leadership, managerial and administrative skills, academic achievements, highest commitment and dedication towards the cause of the nation. He is the recipient of the prestigious 5-Star Commendation Badge.

He was a promising National level athlete and was awarded the Sri Lanka Schools Colours and the Sri Lanka Navy Colours in Athletics. He held the post of President of the Sri Lanka Navy Athletics Club from 1999 to 2006 and also served as President of the renowned Ceylonese Track and Field Club. He is the President of the Defence Services and Sri Lanka Navy Sports Board.

Admiral Colombage hails from Katunayake. He married Srima who is a trained teacher in IT and have been blessed with a daughter, Indeewari who is employed as an Assistant Director at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Admiral Colombage is a product of St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy and becomes the first Old Sylvestian to be elevated to the position a Service Commander in the military history of Sri Lanka.

His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, appointed Rear Admiral Jayantha Perera, RWP, VSV, USP, ndc, psc, as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and promoted him to the 4-star rank of Admiral with effect from 09^th July 2015.

Admiral Jayantha Perera is the 19^th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy in its illustrious history which spans over a period of 63 years. Prior to being appointed as the Navy Commander, he held the post of Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Admiral Jayantha Perera joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 23rd August 1978 and underwent his basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee. He is a Gunnery specialist trained at the Gunnery School Kochi in India. He followed his Naval Staff Course in India and National Defence Course at the National Defence University of Islamabad, Pakistan. He holds Master of Science degrees in Defence Studies and Defence & Strategic Studies from the University of Madras, India and the National Defence University of Islamabad, Pakistan. He has also followed an International Disaster Management Course & Workshop in the United Kingdom in May 2005 and the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander Course conducted by the United States Naval War College, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii in February 2012.

Admiral Jayantha Perera has had the privilege of commanding various ships in the Sri Lanka Navy, including the Sri Lanka Navy Flag Ship SLNS Sayura (Commissioning Commanding Officer from the Indian Navy), Fast Gun Boats and Landing Craft. He has served as the Commander Western Naval Area in 2008, Commander Southern Naval Area in 2007 and Deputy Area Commander Eastern Naval Area during the humanitarian operation in 2006. He has held many important staff appointments, which include Director General Operations, Director General Services, Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Fleet, Director Naval Operations & Special Force, Director Naval Weapon, Deputy Director Naval Intelligence, Deputy Director Naval Training, Media Spokesman of the Sri Lanka Navy and Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff.

Admiral Jayantha Perera is a recipient of the Rana Wickrama Padakkama for gallantry. He has also been recognized with much appreciation for his exemplary and distinguished service and has received many commendations from several Commanders of the Navy for his outstanding performance of duty, hard work, dedication, exceptional contribution and loyalty to the naval service.

Admiral Jayantha Perera is married to Mrs. Shalika Perera, has always been a pillar of strength supporting her husband at every step to steer steadily his naval career. Having served as the Vice President of the Navy Seva Vanitha from October 2012 to June 2014, Mrs. Shalika Perera is also one of the longest serving members of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit and took over duties as the President, Seva Vanitha with the appointment of Admiral Jayantha Perera as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. Admiral Jayantha Perera and Mrs. Shalika Perera are also blessed with twin daughters, Ranithri Perera and Ranali Perera. They obtained their basic degree in Business Management from the University of Bangalore, India and pursued their MBA in International Trade and Logistic at the Post Graduate Institute of Management, affiliated to the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka and the University of Canberra, Australia.

Admiral Jayantha Perera as a distinguished past pupil of Thurstan College, Colombo has brought great pride and honour to his Alma Mater as a student leader. Considering service before self, during his school career he has accomplished many tasks and has excelled in many areas as a Head Prefect, Rugby Captain, School Cadetting Sergeant and a Sergeant Major.

Admiral Ravindra (Ravi) Wijegunaratne was educated at the Royal College, Colombo 7. He has won ‘Navodaya’ scholarship in studies and was a President Scout, Corporal of College Cadet Platoon which won Hermann Loos Trophy in 1980 and a member of the College Hockey and Athletics team.

He joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an officer cadet of the 9^th Intake on 01^st November 1980 at the age of 18. He underwent basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee and at the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), Dartmouth, UK. He was the recipient of the “Best International Midshipman” award at the BRNC, Dartmouth in year 1982. He is specialized in Anti Submarine Warfare and is a qualified diver, paratrooper, and Special Forces person.

His last sea command was SLNS Sayura (Offshore Patrol Vessel), the Flag Ship of the Sri Lanka Navy. The other key appointments he has held during his unblemished naval career of 35 years are: Commandant Naval & Maritime Academy, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, First Secretary and Defence Adviser of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi- India, Director Naval Operations when LTTE floating armouries were destroyed (2006-2007), Special Forces, and Maritime Surveillance, Commander Southern, Western, Northern, and Eastern Naval Areas, Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Chief of Staff.

Prior to assume duties as the Chief of Defence Staff, the senior most military position in Sri Lanka, on 22^nd August 2017, he commanded the Sri Lanka Navy from 11^th July 2015.

Admiral Wijegunaratne is the senior most Special Forces naval officer who was instrumental in forming the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Forces element known as the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) which contributed immensely during the conflict period. He commanded this elite unit twice in his career and has led a number of SBS operations behind the enemy lines and amphibious operations including the famous ‘Pooneryn Operation’ in 1993.

He had also fought alongside the Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS) during ‘Operation Pawan’ in the Jaffna Lagoon in 1988 and awarded gallantry medal for his bravery.

Admiral Wijegunaratne is a highly decorated senior naval officer with four gallantry medals for his act of bravery and valour. He is a recipient of ‘Weerodhara Vibushanaya’, the highest gallantry medal in Sri Lanka for non-military nature, ‘Rana Wickrama Padakkama’ awarded twice for individual gallantry in the face of the enemy and ‘Rana Sura Padakkama’ for collective gallantry in the face of the enemy.

He was also awarded with ‘Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya’ (VSV) and ‘Uththama Seva Padakkama’ (USP) for his unblemished and exemplary naval career.

He earned his BSc (Hons) degree in War Studies from the Karachchi University, Pakistan in 1996 and MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies (First Class pass) from the University of Madras in India in 2010.

He is also an alumni of the National Defence University, Washington DC, USA (NESA Center). He is widely known as an expert in “Asymmetric Naval Warfare” and “Small Boat Operations.”

He was an outstanding sportsman and has won Navy Colours for Rugby Football, Sailing, and Rowing. He was a top marksman who represented the Navy team and was the President of the National Rifle Association. Presently he is the President of the Naval Golf Club.

He is married to Yamuna De Saram, who was Miss Sri Lanka 1989 and blessed with a 24 year old son, Satyajith.

Admiral Travis Jeremy Liyanduru Sinniah was educated at the Trinity College, Kandy, and St. Joseph’s College, Trincomalee. He joined the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee, as an Officer Cadet in 1982, and graduated in 1984. He was selected to attend the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, from which he graduated in 1986. His training at HMS Dryad, HMS Mercury, HMS Collingwood and HMS Vernon at Portsmouth in the United Kingdom, has been among the best in the world. He has served on board British Warships during his time at Dartmouth.

Admiral Sinniah was the senior-most naval officer to be in active combat operations at sea during the war. He was awarded the highest combat medal (granted to a living officer) for exceptional valour and gallantry, the Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya (WWV), and recommended for field promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral on account of his exceptional contribution to the war effort. His most significant Gallantry awards are the Weera Wickrama Vibushanaya (WWV), awarded for individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of a military nature of a high order in the face of the enemy, the Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP), awarded for exceptional gallantry in the face of the enemy and the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), awarded and re-awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy. His other awards are the Uththama Seva Padakkama (USP), the Vadamarachchi campaign medal, the Riviresa campaign medal with clasp, the North & East operation medal with double clasp, the Sri Lanka long service medal with clasp, the Purna Bhoomi operation medal, the Sri Lanka independence 50th anniversary Medal and the Humanitarian operation medals for the north and the east with clasps.

The admiral received his specialization in Naval Communications and Electronic warfare at HMS Mercury, Petersfield, Portsmouth and INS Venduruthi, Cochin, India. He attended the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington, India and was conferred the Master of Science degree in Defence and Strategic Studies. He followed a special course on Diplomacy and holds a Diploma in International Studies.

Admiral Sinniah is a Counter Terrorism Fellow (CTF) of the National Defence University, Washington DC. USA and he was made the “Distinguished Graduate” at the NDU for the year 2005. Admiral Sinniah followed the Defence Cooperation Course conducted by the Defence Institute of Security Assistance Management, Ohio.

Admiral Sinniah is a front line Executive Officer who has served in all the Squadrons of the SLN. He has held the prominent appointments of Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Commandant Naval and Maritime Academy, Deputy Area Commander East, Commandant Volunteer Naval Force and Commander Eastern Naval Area. He has commanded the flag ship of the Sri Lanka Navy, SLNS Sagara. He served in the Elite 4thFast Attack Flotilla as a Squadron Commander and subsequently commanded the Flotilla as its Commanding Officer (FAF4). In addition, he has served as Commanding Officer on board Sri Lanka Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels, Fast Missile Vessels, Fast Gun Boats and Fast Personal Carriers.

The admiral has held various staff positions at the Naval Headquarters, which include Naval Assistant to the Commander of the Navy, Staff Officer Projects and Plans, Senior Staff Officer Research and Development, Director Naval Projects and Plans and R & D and Deputy Director Naval Administration. He has also served as Deputy Area Commander of the Eastern, Northern and North Western Naval Commands.

Admiral Sinniah is a respected instructor and an eloquent speaker. He has represented the Navy at innumerable seminars and conferences, and presented papers at many of them. He spearheaded the establishment of the Naval wing for the Defence Services Staff College at Batalanda, laying down its syllabi and planning its initial courses.

Admiral Sinniah is a specialist in counter terrorism and littoral warfare. He was nominated to direct the Maldivian Defence Forces (MNDF) in formulating their maritime security strategy and counter-terrorism doctrine, which was implemented in 2008; it remains as the MNDF foundation policy on counter-terrorism at sea and on land.

He was instrumental in the design and modification of naval guns for the SLN, working closely with Royal Ordnance UK, and in the design of the Super Dvora class of FAC with Israeli aircraft industries. He was also the design leader for the indigenous 30mm stabilized gun of the SLN.

Admiral Sinniah is a sharpshooter and an “X” marksman. He is an excellent IPSC practical pistol shooter who captained the navy team in 2001/2002. Admiral Sinniah is a keen sportsman, and represented the Navy in basketball, soccer, rugby, squash and badminton.

Admiral Sinniah is a battle-hardened officer who has been awarded and re-awarded for valour and gallantry. He led the Naval Task Force in the destruction of LTTE “warehouse” ships over a period of two years. This monumental operation, “Sagara Balaya”, was the turning point in the war against the LTTE, and heralded its end. He has 37 LTTE hits under his command, and counts over 70 hits by the fleet during his tenure as Commander of the Fast Attack Flotilla. Admiral Sinniah was the officer who apprehended the infamous LTTE ship “Kadalpura” with 19 black sea tigers on-board, including the LTTE second-in-command and 9 LTTE leaders, a significant milestone in the course of the war.

Admiral Sinniah has been mentioned in dispatches and personally commended by the President of Sri Lanka for acts of conspicuous bravery, exceptional gallantry and outstanding service to the nation.

Prior to his appointment as the 21^st Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 22^nd August 2017, Admiral Sinniah held the post of Commander Eastern Naval Area. After his appointment as the Commander of the Navy the veteran naval officer introduced a new deployment of naval ships and craft in the northern seas. The initiative produced imminent results causing a significant drop in the number of Indian fishing trawlers entered into the Sri Lankan territorial waters.

Admiral Sinniah is married to Thiruni and has a son Taarun and a daughter Enakshi. He was promoted to the rank of Admiral on 25th October 2017 and the Admiral bade farewell to his 35 years of distinguished naval career on 26th October 2017.

Rear Admiral Sirimevan Sarathchandra Ranasinghe,WWV, RWP, VSV, USP, ndc, psc, AWOC was elevated to the rank of Vice Admiral and appointed as the 22nd Commander of the Navy with effect from 26th October 2017, by His Excellency the President Maithripala Sirisena as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Further, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe was promoted to the rank of four-star Admiral by His Excellency the President on 31^st December 2018.

Admiral Sirimevan Sarathchandra Ranasinghe received his education from St. Joseph’s College and the Central College in Anuradhapura. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 11th Intake on 15th November 1982 and underwent his basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe is the recipient of the prestigious Sword of Honour as the Best Cadet of the 11th Intake. He received his Midshipman training at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in United Kingdom. Admiral Ranasinghe is an Anti Submarine Warfare Specialist trained at INS Vendurutthy, Kochi, India. The Admiral followed his Naval Staff Course in 1999 at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Wellington, India. Further, he attended the Allied Officers’ War Course at the National Defence University in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2007 and the National Defence Course in 2012 at the National Defence College, New Delhi, India.

As the initial Commanding Officer of SLNS Samudura (Ex-USCGS Courageous) Admiral Ranasinghe commanded the longest voyage in SLN history from New Port USA to Colombo and has also commanded the elite Fast Attack Squadron from 2002 to 2004. He was the Deputy Area Commander Southern Naval Area in 2008, Commander Southern Naval Area in 2012 and Commander Western Naval Area from 2013 to 2014. The Admiral has held many important appointments including Commandant Naval and Maritime Academy, Director Naval Operations, Director Naval Weapons, Director Marine Special Forces, Director Naval Projects and Plans and Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. Prior being appointed as the Navy Commander, Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe had been serving as the Naval Chief of Staff for a period, from 11th July 2015 to 25^th October 2017.

Admiral Ranasinghe is a highly decorated officer being a recipient of the Weera Wickrama Vibushanaya (WWV) and Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) for gallantry in the face of the enemy. Further, He has been awarded a tally of medals including the Vishishta Sewa Vubhushanaya (VSV) in admiration of his unblemished service to the nation and decorated for distinguished service and commended by successive Commanders of the Navy for outstanding performance of duty and exceptional contributions to the naval service.

Admiral Ranasinghe is a keen sportsman and had received Britannia Royal Naval College Colours for badminton. He was also the recipient of the Triple Crown for badminton in 1997 in the Navy Inter-command Tournament.

Admiral Ranasinghe is married to Sandya, and they are blessed with one daughter, Supuni. Having completed 36 years of illustrious naval career, Admiral Ranasinghe bade farewell to his second home, the Navy, on 01^st January 2019.

After serving as the 23^rd Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy from 01^st January 2019, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva was promoted to the rank of four-star Admiral by His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 14^th July 2020.

Admiral Piyal De Silva is a proud product of Dharmasoka College in Ambalangoda and joined the Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch as an Officer Cadet of the 12th Intake in 1984. On successful completion of basic training, he was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in the Navy on 11th February 1986. After being elevated to subsequent ranks in the Navy over the years, he was promoted to the rank of Admiral on 14thJuly 2020. Admiral Piyal De Silva has received specialized training on Deep Sea Salvage Diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diving from the US Navy and used his knowledge and skills extensively in salvage and mine clearance operations in the past. Further, the senior officer has rendered an unparalleled service to the organization in particular and motherland in general, during his exemplary career in the Navy. Admiral Piyal De Silva is well versed in Disaster Management activities and has always rendered his unwavering contribution to the nation when it is faced with calamities of different capacity.

In recognition of his noble service rendered for the motherland, Admiral Silva has been awarded the Weera Wickrama Vibushanaya (WWV) twice, Rana Wikrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for gallantry, Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV) and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for exemplary conduct, and a tally of medals. He has graduated with a Master’s Degree of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and also, in Master of Defence and Strategic Studies. Further, he followed his National Defence Course at the National Defence University in China.

The senior officer held office as the Chief of Staff the Navy from 02nd July 2018 to 31st December 2018, prior taking the helm of the Sri Lanka Navy. Besides, he also held a number of notable appointments including the Director General Operations, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Commander Eastern, Southern, North-western and Northern Naval areas and Commanding Officer of a number of ships, craft and establishments during his naval career. Moreover, he took much pride in commanding the elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and Diving Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy on crucial occasions. Being an avid sportsman, Admiral Silva has been twice adjudged the Best Sportsman of the Sri Lanka Navy. Fittingly, he has represented the national basketball team at South Asian and Asian Basketball Tournaments on several occasions.

Admiral Piyal De Silva is married to Mrs. Arundathi Jayaneththi and they are blessed with two sons; Yehan and Dulina.

The President Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, promoted Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne to the rank of Admiral effective from today (17^th December 2022). He assumed office as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 15^th July 2020.

Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne is a proud product of the Royal College, Colombo where his leadership traits were first recognized at his young age as a school prefect. He was also an upbeat member of the Cadet Platoon that went on to win the Hermann Loos trophy twice. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 13th Intake in 1985 and underwent basic naval training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. Upon successful completion of training, he was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant on 07th January 1987. After being steadily elevated to subsequent ranks in the Navy over the years, he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on 01^st June 2015.

Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne specialized in the fields of Gunnery and Missiles and was a key member of the pioneering team that introduced missiles to the Navy Fleet. He also held a range of sea as well as shore appointments during his illustrious career spanning over 37 years. The senior officer served aboard many Fast Attack Craft and had commanded the prestigious 4thFast Attack Craft Flotilla, the teeth arm of the Sri Lanka Navy fleet, at the height of the looming terrorist activities. He also took pride in commanding SLNS Nandimithra in 2009, aboard which he was privileged to be its first Weapons Officer and Executive Officer of the same ship earlier.

Apart from that, Admiral Ulugetenne held office as the Director Naval Intelligence for more than three consecutive years just after the humanitarian operation, during which human smuggling had been brought to a substantial halt and the influx of narcotics was also curbed in an effective manner. His other shore assignments include Director Naval Weapons, Deputy Area Commander (North), Director General (Services), and Commander Southern Naval Area, Commander Western Naval Area, Commandant Volunteer Naval Force and Deputy Chief of Staff prior being appointed as Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy on 04^th May 2019.

The senior officer holds three Master Degrees from the Kings College London, University of Wollongong, Australia and University of Madras, India. He attended the Advance Command & Staff Course at the Joint Service Command and Staff College, United Kingdom where he was conferred with ‘psc’ qualification and Master of Arts in Defense Studies. He also received his Master Degree in Maritime Policy from the University of Wollongong upon completion of residential course of studies at the university. Further, he is a distinguished alumnus of the National Defense College, India where he graduated with Master of Philosophy in Defense & Strategic Studies. He had also studied at length on ‘Comprehensive Security Measures to Terrorism’ at Asia- Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), Hawaii

His Excellency the President has awarded Admiral Ulugetenne with Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his act of bravery in the face of enemy twice and Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV) and Uththama Seva Padakkama (USP) for his exemplary conduct exhibited in his distinguished naval career. Admiral Ulugetenne has also been decorated with the Deshaputhra Medal for sustaining injuries while on active duty and draped with a bunch of service medals in recognition of his contribution to the motherland. He has also contributed immensely to the Navy by leading the young blooded naval athletes, as the Chairman of athletics pool.

Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne is happily married to Mrs. Chandima and they are blessed with an 20 year old daughter, Samadhini.

Former Commanders