His Excellency the President appoints new Chief of Defence Staff
 

His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, the President, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces appointed Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne as the new Chief of Defence Staff. After being promoted to the rank of Admiral, he is scheduled to take over duties of the new office from General Crishantha de Silva, on 22nd August.

Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne will become the second Navy Chief to chair the CDS Office that was earlier, before 15th July 2007, known as the ‘Joint Operations Headquarters’. Prior to Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne, Admiral (retd) Daya Sandagiri held the JOH in 2005. Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne will also be the 7th Commander from the tri-services to share this honour. The CDS is the highest ranking military officer in the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.