Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera assumes duties as 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has promoted Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera to the rank of Vice Admiral and appointed him as the 25th commander of the Sri Lanka Navy effective from 18 December 2022.

Navy Former Commander Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, in a symbolic gesture, presented the Commander's Sword and officially handed over the duties of the Command to the incoming Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Navy Headquarters last morning, 18 December. A few minutes later, the newly appointed Commander of the Navy was accorded a Guard of Honour in accordance with naval traditions, at the Navy Headquarters.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a proud product of the Royal College, Colombo. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch in 1987 as an Officer Cadet of the 5th intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. 

Having successfully completed his basic training from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee he was commissioned in the rank of Sub Lieutenant in 1989. The senior officer completed his Sub Lieutenant Technical course at the Naval and Maritime Academy in 1992 and gained specialisation in Clearance Diving from Indian Naval Diving Training School in 1994. Working his way up the career ladder steadily, he became a Rear Admiral in the Sri Lanka Navy on 15 July 2020. Reaching the pinnacle of his naval career, the senior officer ascended to the rank of three-star Admiral on 18 December 2022.

His career has been enriched with vast experience in the Sri Lanka Navy, in various capacities. During his illustrious career, the senior officer has commanded a number of Fast Attack Craft, Ships and Establishments and had the privilege of serving as the Commanding Officer of the elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS). He also has served in the appointments of Director Naval Training, Head of Naval Research Wing, Deputy Area Commander North Central Naval Area, Director Marine Special Forces, Director Naval Operations, Director Naval Foreign Cooperation, Director Naval Maritime Surveillance, Commander Southern and Northern Naval Areas. Prior to his ascension to the seat of Commander of the Navy, the senior officer served as the Chief of Staff of the Navy.

The senior officer has also been conferred with a Master of Science degree (Defence Studies) in Management from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. He is a distinguished alumnus of US Naval War College, Rhode Island US at where he has passed the US Naval Staff Course in 2004. He also holds a master’s degree of Maritime Policy with Distinctions from University of Wollongong, Australia in 2012 and attended the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at National Defence University of People’s Liberation Army, People’s Republic of China in 2018.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a recipient of Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP) thrice for conspicuous display of gallantry in combat and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for unblemished character. The senior officer has been commended by former commanders of the Navy seven times for his leadership and professional conduct in challenging circumstances and tasks.

The newly appointed Commander of the Navy formally took office yesterday morning with the blessings of the clergy of all religious faiths. His beloved wife Mala Lamahewa and two sons Sachith (24) and Shamal (21) were also present on this occasion.