Navy Chief retires, New Navy Commander appointed

Vice Admiral Somathilaka Dissanayaka who assumed duties as the 17th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 15 January 2011, retired yesterday after 35 years of service.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, promoted the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake to the rank of Admiral on 24 September.

In the 61-year history of the Sri Lanka Navy, he is regarded as the most decorated naval officer. He has been bestowed with the Weerodara Vibhushanaya for his bravery and decorated for gallantry with two Rana Sura Padakkamas. He has also been awarded the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya, the Uttama Seva Padakkama and eleven commemorative, campaign and service medals. He is also the recipient of three decorative badges which include the five-star Commendation Badge.

The Eastern Naval Commander Rear Admiral Jayanath Colombage has been appointed as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy.

He will be the 18th Navy Commander of Sri Lanka. The new Navy Commander Rear Admiral Colombage will ceremonially assume duty in the post on Wednesday. Rear Admiral Colombage is a past student of Kandy Sylvester College.