Vice Admiral Damian Fernando Appointed as Sri Lanka’s 27th Navy Commander

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has promoted Sri Lanka Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Damian Fernando to the rank of Vice Admiral and appointed him as the 27th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.

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

The appointment will take effect from July 1, coinciding with the retirement of the 26th Navy Commander, Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, a veteran naval officer with a distinguished career spanning 35 years, has completed numerous professional, command, and specialized training programmes both locally and overseas.

He has been awarded the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) and the Utthama Seva Padakkama (USP) in recognition of his gallantry and exemplary service.

Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for professionalism, leadership, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to duty.

Further recognizing his exceptional contribution to the Sri Lanka Navy, he has received Letters of Commendation on six occasions from successive Navy Commanders for his outstanding service and performance.