Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne assumes duties as Chief of Staff of the Navy

Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne was appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy with effect from 04^th May 2019, by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena. Accordingly, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva presented the letter of appointment of the new position to Rear Admiral Ulugetenne and congratulated him on his new appointment.

Rear Admiral Ulugetenne is an old boy of the Royal College, Colombo and joined the Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch, as an Officer Cadet of the 13^th Intake at the Naval and Maritime Academy in 1985. He received his basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee and on completion two years of successful training, he was commissioned as an Acting Sub Lieutenant on 05^th January 1987. He completed the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course in India in 1988 and was promoted to subsequent ranks in the Navy. The senior officer was elevated to the rank of Rear Admiral on 01^st June 2015.

During his naval career Rear Admiral Ulugetenne held a number of Sea and Ashore appointments and commanded a wide range of ships and craft including Long Patrol Boat, Fast Attack Craft, Landing Craft, Fast Gun and Fast Missile Vessel. Besides, the senior officer held a number of prestigious appointments in the Navy such as; Deputy Director Naval (Projects and Plans), Commanding Officer 4^th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla, Director Naval Weapon, Director Naval Intelligence, Deputy Area Commander (North), Director General Services, Commander Southern Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force. Prior to being appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Ulugetenne held office as Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Western Naval Area.

Rear Admiral Ulugetenne has followed a wide range of advanced courses in India, United Kingdom, Israel, Australia etc. and is a specialist in Gunnery, followed at the Indian Navy Gunnery School in Kochi. He is also a distinguished graduate of Joint Services Command & Staff College, United Kingdom where he was graduated in “psc” and MA (Defence Studies). Apart from that, the senior officer obtained his second Master’s Degree on Maritime Policy from the University of Wollongong, Australia secured his third masters, MPhil (D&SS) from University of Madras.

He has been awarded the “Rana Sura Padakkama” twice by HE the President for his acts of bravery in the face of enemy and also he was awarded the “Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya” as a reward for exceptional, distinguished and loyal service. Rest of the decorations bestowed on him include “Uththama Seva Padakkama” for his unblemished service, Sri Lanka Armed Service Long service Medal, Sri Lanka Navy 50^th Anniversary Medal, 50^th Anniversary of Independence Medal, North & East Operations Medal, “Purna Bhumi” Medal,“Deshaputra” Medal, “Wadamarachchi” Operation Campaign Medal and “Riviresa” Operation Campaign Medal. Further, in reward of his commitment and guidance of his men, Rear Admiral Ulugetenne has been commended with letter of appreciation on several occasions by Commander of the Navy.

He is married to Chandima Wickramarathna and they are blessed with a daughter, Samadhini.