Navy mourns the demise of Lieutenant Commander Somasiri Devendra, esteemed architect of Naval training

Instructor Lieutenant Commander Somasiri Devendra, a distinguished naval instructor and former Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, passed away on 19 June 25. His passing marked the end of an era for the Sri Lanka Navy, where he played a pivotal role in shaping generations of naval officers.

Born on 17 April 1933, he graduated from the University of Sri Lanka in 1955 before joining the Royal Ceylon Navy. In 1960, he was commissioned as the first Instructor Officer of the Royal Ceylon Navy with the rank of Lieutenant. Throughout his illustrious career, he served as an instructor at key training institutions, including the Royal Ceylon Navy Training Centres in Diyatalawa and Kochchikade, before being stationed at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee. His dedication and expertise led to his promotion to Lieutenant Commander in 1968.

He also served as Staff Officer for Personnel and Training at Navy Headquarters and later became the sixth Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy, shaping generations of naval officers. Beyond military training, he was instrumental in establishing Tissa Vidyalaya, a school for children of service personnel at the Trincomalee Naval Dockyard.

Having served as an esteemed instructor to both the Royal Ceylon Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, he retired from naval service in 1976. However, he returned to duty, serving as the Deputy Director Naval Administration and Welfare, and later as the Deputy Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy. He has been honoured with the Long Service Medal, the Navy's 25th Anniversary Medal, the Republic Medal and the Riviresa Campaign Medal.

After an illustrious 18-year career with institutions such as the Department of Archaeology and the Central Cultural Fund, he played a pivotal role in establishing maritime archaeology in Sri Lanka as the Special Advisor to the Director General of the Department of Archaeology. His expertise has also benefited numerous state and affiliated organizations through advisory roles. A prolific researcher and author, he has significantly contributed to the fields of naval history, maritime archaeology and maritime history through his publications.

Late Instructor Lieutenant Commander Somasiri Devendra, a respected naval officer, devotedly served the Sri Lanka Navy with his expertise, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the nation until his passing at the age of 92. His funeral, held on 21 Jun 25, at the Borella General Cemetery, was attended by serving and retired naval personnel who honoured his legacy with deep respect.