Outgoing Navy Commander promoted to rank of Admiral

President and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday promoted outgoing Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva to the rank of Admiral with effect from 14 June. Admiral De Silva, who was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral in January 2019, was the 23rd Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.  

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva

Admiral Silva retires after 36 years of service to the nation, ending a distinguished naval career. 

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 holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in Human Resource Management and also, in Master of Defence and Strategic Studies. He followed his National Defence Course at the National Defence University in China.

During his career De Silva has received specialised 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. 

He was appointed Chief of Staff of the Navy prior to taking the helm, and has held many positions including 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. 

Admiral De Silva also commanded the elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and Diving Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy during the war. He is an avid sportsman, having represented the Navy and Sri Lanka in Basketball. (AF)