New Commander of the Navy calls on His Excellency the President

Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne who assumed duties as the 24^th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat today (15th July 2020).

During the ensuing cordial discussion, the President conveyed his best wishes to Vice Admiral Ulugetenne on his new appointment as the Commander of the Navy. Symbolizing his first official call on His Excellency the President upon assumption of duties as the 24^th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne presented a special memento to His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, on being promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral, was appointed as the 24^th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy by His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, today (15th July 2020). Accordingly, former Commander of the Navy Admiral Piyal De Silva customary handed over the Commander's sword and officially handed over the duties of the position to the new Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Naval Headquarters in the morning today. Meanwhile, new Commander of the Navy was accorded with a guard of honour.

Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne is a proud product of the Royal College, Colombo where his leadership traits were first recognized at his young age as a school prefect. He was also an upbeat member of the Cadet Platoon that went on to win the Hermann Loos trophy twice. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 13^th Intake in 1985 and underwent basic naval training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. Upon successful completion of training, he was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant on 07^th January 1987. After being steadily elevated to subsequent ranks in the Navy over the years, he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on 01^st June 2015. Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne specialized in the field of Gunnery and Missiles and was a key member of the pioneering team that introduced missiles to the Navy Fleet. He also held many sea as well as shore appointments alike during his illustrious career spanning over 35 years.

Apart from that, Vice Admiral Ulugetenne held office as the Director Naval Intelligence for more than three consecutive years just after the humanitarian operation, during which human smuggling by sea had been completely brought to a halt. His other shore assignments include Director Naval Weapons, Deputy Area Commander (North), Director General (Services), and Commander Southern Naval Area, Commander Western Naval Area, Commandant Volunteer Naval Force and Deputy Chief of Staff prior being appointed as Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy on 23^rd May 2019.

The senior officer holds three Master Degrees from the Kings College London, University of Wollongong, Australia and University of Madras, India. He attended the Advance Command & Staff Course at the Joint Service Command and Staff College, United Kingdom where he was conferred with ‘psc’ qualification and Master of Arts in Defense Studies. He also received his Master Degree in Maritime Policy from the University of Wollongong upon completion of residential course of studies at the university. Further, he is a distinguished alumnus of the National Defense College, India where he graduated with Master of Philosophy in Defense & Strategic Studies. He had also studied at length on ‘Comprehensive Security Measures to Terrorism’ at Asia- Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), Hawaii.

 

Moreover, His Excellency the President has awarded Vice Admiral Ulugetenne with Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his act of bravery in the face of enemy twice and Vishista Seva Vibhushanay (VSV) and Uththama Seva Padakkama (USP) for his exemplary conduct exhibited in his distinguished naval career. Vice Admiral Ulugetenne has also been decorated with the Deshaputhra Medal for sustaining injuries while on active duty and draped with a bunch of service medals in recognition of his contribution to the motherland. He has also contributed immensely to the Navy by leading young blooded naval athletes, as the chairman of athletics pool.

         

Observing the religious rituals, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne assumed his duties as the new Commander of the Navy amidst the participation of beloved spouse Mrs. Chandima and daughter Samadinie. Director Generals of the Navy, Area Commanders, Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Fleet, Heads of Departments and a host of senior officers were also present on the occasion.