Farewell salute honours Rear Admiral Dhanesh Pathberiya

Rear Admiral Dhanesh Pathberiya retired from the Sri Lanka Navy today, 16 September 2026, marking the end of a distinguished naval career spanning more than 33 years.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, along with the members of the Board of Management of the Sri Lanka Navy, conveyed best wishes to the retiring officer celebrating his 55th birthday today.

Thereupon, Rear Admiral Pathberiya was accorded a Guard of Honour in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions. As the customary event drew to a close, fellow naval officers made their formal farewells to the retiring senior officer, before he was sent off in a motorcade amidst the cheers of naval personnel.

Rear Admiral Dhanesh Pathberiya joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 10th intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy in 1992. Throughout his distinguished naval career, the flag rank officer had the privilege of holding prestigious commanding positions on board ships and craft.

Additionally, he has held several key prominent appointments throughout his career, including the Provost Marshal, Naval Officer in Charge (Trincomalee North), Director Commercial Explosives, Firearms and Ammunition Procurement (CEFAP) Unit, Director Naval Policy and Plans, Acting Director General Administration and Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet.