President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has appointed Rear Admiral Damian Fernando as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy. The appointment letter was formally handed over by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, at Navy Headquarters yesterday (January 15), who also extended his best wishes to the newly appointed Chief of Staff.
A Distinguished Naval Career
Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, an alumnus of St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa, began his naval career in 1991 as an Officer Cadet in the Executive Branch of the 21st intake. Following his basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, he was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in 1993.
In 1995, he completed his Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, followed by specialization in Gunnery and Missiles at INS Dronacharya, India, in 2003. Further enhancing his expertise, he completed the Engineer Course in Naval Gun Maintenance in China in 2010 and received advanced training at the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in the United Kingdom.
Rear Admiral Fernando also holds a Master of Science in Management (Defence Studies) from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from King’s College London.
Promotions and Recognition
Promoted to Rear Admiral on January 6, 2023, he has been recognized for his exceptional service with several accolades. He was awarded the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for gallantry and the Uththama Sewa Padakkama (USP) for unblemished service and dedication. Additionally, he has received six Letters of Commendation from Navy Commanders for his outstanding contributions.
Leadership and Contributions
Throughout his career, Rear Admiral Fernando has held numerous commanding positions, including leadership roles onboard Fast Attack Craft, naval ships, and shore establishments. Some of his notable appointments include:
- Naval Armament Officer
- Deputy Director of Naval Weapons
- Commander of the 4th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla
- Commandant of the Naval & Maritime Academy
- Director General Personnel
- Commander of the North Central Naval Area
Most recently, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander of the Eastern Naval Area before being appointed as Chief of Staff.
Apart from his naval duties, Rear Admiral Fernando has significantly contributed to Navy cricket as a player, captain, and now Chairman of the Sri Lanka Navy Cricket Pool.
Deputy Chief of Staff Appointment
Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, effective December 31, 2024. The appointment letter was also handed over today by Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, who conveyed his best wishes to Rear Admiral Kumarasinghe.
