• The outgoing Commander handed over duties of the command to his successor Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Commander’s office in the Navy Headquarters before his departure

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera was appointed new Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy after Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne relinquished command of the Sri Lanka Navy on completion of his tenure yesterday.  

Admiral Ulugetenne assumed office as the 24th Commander of the Navy on 15th July 2020. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, promoted Nishantha Ulugetenne to the rank of Admiral on Saturday (December 17).  

The outgoing Commander handed over duties of the command to his successor Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Commander’s office in the Navy Headquarters before his departure. Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne rendered a distinguished service to the Navy and motherland during his naval career spanning over 37 years.Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 13th Intake of the Sri Lanka Navy in 1985. The retiring senior officer was accorded a Guard of Honour in accordance with naval traditions.  
After the Board of Management and senior naval officers made their formal farewells, senior and junior sailors making a street line bade farewell to Admiral Ulugetenne who was sent off mounted in a decorated vehicle, amidst cheers.  

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a proud product of Royal College, Colombo. He joined Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch in 1987 as an Officer Cadet of the 05th intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.  

Meanwhile, Captain Indika de Silva relinquished duties as Director Media of SL Navy. Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya had been appointed as new Director Media of the Navy yesterday.   

• Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a proud product of Royal College, Colombo. He joined Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch in 1987 as an Officer Cadet of the 05th intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University