President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has promoted Rear Admiral Damian Fernando to the rank of Vice Admiral and appointed him as the 27th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. 

According to the President’s Office, the appointment, effective July 01, follows the scheduled retirement of current Navy Commander Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

The letter of appointment was handed over this afternoon (30) at the Presidential Secretariat by Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumaranayake.

Educated at St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa, Vice Admiral Fernando joined the Executive Branch of the Sri Lanka Navy in 1991 as an officer cadet under the 21st intake. After completing basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee, he was commissioned as a Sub‑Lieutenant in 1993.

Over a distinguished 35‑year career, Fernando has undertaken numerous professional and specialized training courses locally and internationally. He has been decorated with the Rana Sura Padakkama and Uttama Seva Padakkama medals, and has received six Letters of Commendation from successive Navy Commanders for his professional competence, efficiency, and outstanding service.

He holds a Master of Defence Studies from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from King’s College, London. (Newswire)

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Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandula Edirisinghe has been appointed as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

According to the SLAF, the appointment is with effect from Wednesday, 29th January 2025.

He takes over from the current Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa who is set to retire on 29 January. (Newswire)

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New appointments were made to the Sri Lanka Army and Navy following the retirement of the respective Commanders.

The Ministry of Defence announced that Major General Lasantha Rodrigo was appointed the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.

His appointment comes after Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage retired today following his completion of the service extension.

The Defence Ministry further said that Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda was appointed the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.

He replaces Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera who is also reported to have completed his service extension. (Newswire)

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