Rear Admiral Chandima Silva appointed Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy

Rear Admiral Chandima Silva was appointed the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy effective from 31 May 25. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda officially handed over the letter of appointment to Rear Admiral Chandima Silva at the Navy Headquarters on 12 Jun and extended best wishes to him in the new role.

Rear Admiral Chandima Silva, a distinguished old boy of the Sri Sumangala College, Panadura, embarked on his naval career in 1991 as an Officer Cadet of the Executive branch of the Navy, through then General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy (KDA). Following his initial naval training at KDA and the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee, he was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in 1993. In 1994, he completed the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at the Bangladesh Naval Academy and later specialized in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), in India. He has pursued extensive academic and professional development, having completed the Staff Course at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Sapugaskanda. He also earned a Master’s degree in National Security and War Studies from the National Defence University in Pakistan, in addition to a Master’s in Defence Studies (MDS) from the University of Kelaniya. Rising through the ranks, he was promoted to Rear Admiral on 10 Aug 23.

He has been awarded Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) twice for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy during active deployment and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for devotion to duty marked by exceptional ability.

Throughout his illustrious naval career, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva has excelled in various commanding positions on board Fast Attack Craft, naval ships and at key naval establishments. Some of the other notable positions he has held include Deputy Director Naval Training, Commandant and Commanding Officer SLNS Nipuna, Deputy Director Naval Welfare, Director Naval Inspectorate, Deputy Area Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet and Commander Southern Naval Area.

Prior to his current role as Deputy Chief of Staff, he served as Commander Western Naval Area, a responsibility he continues to oversee.