Admiral Tennakoon, new Navy Chief of Staff

The President has appointed Rear Admiral Wasantha Tennakoon as the new Chief of Staff of the Navy with effect from May 21.

Rear Admiral Tennakoon joined the Sri Lanka Navy on August 20, 1973 as an Officer Cadet. Rising through the ranks for almost 32 years, he was elevated to the rank of Rear Admiral on March 8, 2005. He has held the posts of Deputy Chief of Staff, Director General Services, Director Naval Welfare and Administration, Commander Northern, North Central, Southern Naval Areas, and Squadron Commander, Fast Attack Craft Flotilla and commanded many ships and shore establishments in the Navy.

He has been awarded with twelve medals during his career for distinguished service, merit and campaigns, including the Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP) twice for gallantry.

He had also served as an Officiating Commandant (Vice Chancellor) Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). He is an alumni of Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies (USA) and Near East South Asia Centre for Strategic Studies (USA).

He is a specialist in Gunnery specialised in India and a graduate from the prestigious Naval Defence College in Pakistan. He holds the Masters Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies as well.