Rear Admiral Damian Fernando appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy

Rear Admiral Damian Fernando was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy effective from 09th November 2024. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera formally handed over the letter of appointment to Rear Admiral Damian Fernando at the Navy Headquarters and expressed his best wishes to the newly appointed Deputy Chief of Staff.

Rear Admiral Damian Fernando is a proud product of St. Joseph Vaz College, Vennappuwa. He joined the Executive Branch of the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 21st intake in 1991. After successful completion of his basic naval training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee he was commissioned in the rank of Sub Lieutenant in 1993. He completed his Sub Lieutenant Technical Course from the Naval and Maritime Academy in 1995 and received his specialization in Gunnery and Missiles from INS Dronacharya, India in 2003. He successfully completed the Engineer course focused on Naval Gun Maintenance in China in 2010. Moreover, he has successfully completed the training at Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) at Defence Academy of United Kingdom. He also holds Masters of Science Degree in Management (Defence Studies) from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Further, he completed Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from the King's College London. Progressing steadily in his naval career, the senior officer was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on 06th January 2023.

During his distinguished naval career, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando has held a range of commanding roles onboard Fast Attack Craft, ships and at establishments across the country. Among some of the other key appointments he held; Naval Armament Officer, Deputy Director of Naval Weapons, Commander - 4th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla, Captain Operations Department (West), Commandant Naval & Maritime Academy, Director General Personnel, Commander North Central Naval Area and Commander Eastern Naval Area stood prominent.

Continuing his duties as Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando will also serve as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy.