Duties officially commenced today (01) for Vice Admiral Damien Fernando as the 27th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, according to the Navy Media Unit.
The traditional handing over of the Navy Commander's sword marked the transition from former Navy Commander Admiral Kanchana Banagoda to the newly appointed chief earlier this morning. Following a 48-member guard of honour, religious blessings from all major faiths accompanied the official assumption of office.
An alumnus of St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa, Vice Admiral Fernando joined the Executive Branch of the Navy in 1991 as an officer cadet under the 21st intake. His foundational training concluded successfully at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, leading to his commissioning as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1993.
Specialised training followed in 2003 at the 'INS Dronacharya' school in India, focusing on advanced weaponry and missiles.
Further professional development included a naval weaponry maintenance engineering course in China in 2010, alongside a defence studies course at the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in the United Kingdom.
Academic credentials include a Master of Science in Defence Studies from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from King's College London.
Over a career spanning more than 35 years, command positions were held across numerous naval ships, establishments, and fast attack craft. Prior roles included Naval Armament Officer, Deputy Director Naval Weaponry, Commanding Officer of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla, Captain Operations Department (West), and Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy. Administrative capabilities were demonstrated further as Director General Personnel, Commander of the North Central and Eastern Naval Commands, and Deputy Chief of Staff. Before this promotion, service as Chief of Staff ran from December 31, 2024.
Active contribution to humanitarian operations against terrorism earned the Rana Sura Padakkama for bravery under fire. The Uttama Seva Padakkama was also awarded for unblemished character and dedication, supplemented by six formal letters of commendation from previous Navy Commanders.
Beyond operational duties, representation of the Navy cricket team brought sporting recognition, later resulting in the chairmanship of the Navy Cricket Association.
The assumption of duties ceremony concluded with the presence of spouse Kaushalya Fernando, daughters Kalsha and Cecilia, and son Fabian.
The traditional handing over of the Navy Commander's sword marked the transition from former Navy Commander Admiral Kanchana Banagoda to the newly appointed chief earlier this morning. Following a 48-member guard of honour, religious blessings from all major faiths accompanied the official assumption of office.
An alumnus of St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa, Vice Admiral Fernando joined the Executive Branch of the Navy in 1991 as an officer cadet under the 21st intake. His foundational training concluded successfully at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, leading to his commissioning as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1993.
Specialised training followed in 2003 at the 'INS Dronacharya' school in India, focusing on advanced weaponry and missiles.
Further professional development included a naval weaponry maintenance engineering course in China in 2010, alongside a defence studies course at the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in the United Kingdom.
Academic credentials include a Master of Science in Defence Studies from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from King's College London.
Over a career spanning more than 35 years, command positions were held across numerous naval ships, establishments, and fast attack craft. Prior roles included Naval Armament Officer, Deputy Director Naval Weaponry, Commanding Officer of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla, Captain Operations Department (West), and Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy. Administrative capabilities were demonstrated further as Director General Personnel, Commander of the North Central and Eastern Naval Commands, and Deputy Chief of Staff. Before this promotion, service as Chief of Staff ran from December 31, 2024.
Active contribution to humanitarian operations against terrorism earned the Rana Sura Padakkama for bravery under fire. The Uttama Seva Padakkama was also awarded for unblemished character and dedication, supplemented by six formal letters of commendation from previous Navy Commanders.
Beyond operational duties, representation of the Navy cricket team brought sporting recognition, later resulting in the chairmanship of the Navy Cricket Association.
The assumption of duties ceremony concluded with the presence of spouse Kaushalya Fernando, daughters Kalsha and Cecilia, and son Fabian.
