Sri Lanka Navy Lieutenant Commander Piyumi Kathriarachchi has earned a master’s degree with honors from the US Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in California, achieving an outstanding grade point average (GPA) of 3.98 out of 4.0.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer presented her degree at a ceremony held at the American Center Colombo on October 26, recognising her academic achievements and contribution to military education.
Kathriarachchi completed the Defense Logistics Management programme at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, graduating near the top of her class.
She also received two prestigious awards: the NPS Outstanding Thesis Award and the Kiwanis Club of Monterey Outstanding International Student Award. The latter is presented to only two international students at the university each year.
A former student of Taxila Central College in Horana, Kathriarachchi previously made history in 2013 by becoming the first female midshipman in the Sri Lanka Navy to receive the prestigious Sword of Honour.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Meyer praised her achievements and highlighted the importance of military education in strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States.
“Lieutenant Commander Kathriarachchi’s achievements reflect both her exceptional dedication and the value of world-class American military education,” Meyer said.
He added that the knowledge and skills she gained through US-funded training would help strengthen the Sri Lanka Navy and contribute to a safer Indian Ocean region.
Her studies were funded through the US International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme, which supports professional development opportunities for Sri Lankan military personnel.
Kathriarachchi’s award-winning research focused on challenges in spare parts procurement faced by the Sri Lanka Navy, exploring issues relevant to improving naval readiness and logistics management.
Reflecting on her experience, Kathriarachchi said her education in the United States had equipped her with practical knowledge to address challenges facing the Navy.
“My time in the United States gave me new tools to tackle real challenges facing our Navy. I look forward to putting that knowledge to work in service of Sri Lanka and hope my experience encourages other young Sri Lankans to pursue opportunities that can make a difference for our country,” she said.
Following the ceremony, Kathriarachchi interacted with Sri Lankan youth at the American Center, encouraging them to pursue educational opportunities and contribute to the country’s development.
Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph, Director General of Training, and Commander C.R.P. Walakuluge, Director of Media of the Sri Lanka Navy, also attended the ceremony. (Newswire)