Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda has been promoted to the rank of Admiral, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career.
An alumnus of St. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela, Admiral Banagoda joined the Executive Branch of the Sri Lanka Navy in 1989 as an officer cadet of the 19th intake. Commissioned as a Sub‑Lieutenant in 1991, he later completed advanced training in navigation and direction at the Indian Navy’s INS Vendurthi Naval School in 2000.
Elevated to Rear Admiral in May 2022, he has since completed the Command and Staff Course in Bangladesh, earned an MBA in Human Resource Management from the Open University of Sri Lanka, and a Master’s in Maritime Policy from the University of Wollongong, Australia. He also undertook the National Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College, Colombo, in 2021.
Admiral Banagoda actively contributed to counter‑terrorism operations for nearly three decades, earning the Rana Sura Padakkama for gallantry and the Uttama Seva Padakkama for distinguished service. Over his career, he has held numerous command positions, including Fast Attack Craft patrols and leadership of several naval ships and establishments. (Newswire)