The President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, promoted Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda to the rank of Vice Admiral and appointed him as the 26th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy effective from today (31st December 2024). Former Commander of the Navy Admiral Priyantha Perera, in a symbolic gesture, presented the Commander’s Sword and officially handed over the duties of the Command to the incoming Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda at the Navy Headquarters this morning. A few minutes later, the newly appointed Commander of the Navy was accorded a Guard of Honour in accordance with naval traditions, at the Navy Headquarters.
Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda is a proud product of S. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela and Bandarawela Central College. Joining the Sri Lanka Navy on 15th September 1989 as an Officer Cadet of the 19th intake, in the Executive branch, he completed basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee. Due to his outstanding performance in basic training, he was privileged to secure an opportunity to attend the prestigious International Midshipman Course at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in the UK and proudly earned his commission in 1991. He successfully completed the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee in 1994 and underwent the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Specialization Course at the Indian Naval Ship Venduruthy, Kochi in India in 2000.
The senior officer has successfully followed the Defence Services Command and Staff Course (DSCSC), at the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur in Bangladesh in 2009. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Wollongong, New South Wales in Australia where he completed the Master of Maritime Policy Programme in 2019. In 2022, he completed the National Security & Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College, Colombo. In addition, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Studies and a Master’s degree in Business Administration in Human Resources Management from the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Steadily advancing in his professional career, he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on 04th May 2022 and to the rank of Vice Admiral on 31st December 2024. With a career spanning over 34 years, he has gained extensive experience at sea, commanding various vessels and shore establishments, including seven (7) afloat and three (3) ashore assignments. He has also served two terms as an Instructing Officer at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), and Defence Services Command and Staff College, Sapugaskanda. He has held several key positions, including Deputy Director Naval Training, Training Captain at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Head of the Training Team at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Sapugaskanda, Director Naval Training and Acting Director General Training at the Navy Headquarters (NHQ). The senior officer, who has successfully led four naval commands; Southeastern (Panama), North Central (Talaimannar), Northern (Kankesanthurai), and Eastern (Trincomalee), took on the role of Chief of Staff on 16th August 2024.
The senior naval officer has been recognised with the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), Uththama Sewa Padakkama (USP) and a bunch of other service medals in recognition of his bravery, impeccable character and dedication to the service. Additionally, his efforts have been commended by the Commander of the Navy for successfully apprehending multiple narcotic consignments and three vessels along with their crews during high seas operations conducted by SLNS Sayurala. Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda serves as an Associated Fellow in the Nautical Institute (UK) and has been appointed as a Justice of Peace (Whole Island). When he is not navigating maritime matters, the senior officer enjoys a variety of pursuits, including racket games, travel, exploration, photography, reading and music.
The newly appointed Commander of the Navy officially assumed office this morning in a ceremony enriched with blessings from the clergy representing all major religious faiths. Standing by his side were his beloved spouse, Mrs. Anusha Banagoda, and their children, Amavi (daughter) and Himeth (son), lending warmth and pride to this significant occasion.
