The official letter of appointment was presented to Vice Admiral Fernando by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (June 30). Concurrent with the appointment, Rear Admiral Fernando was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral.
Vice Admiral Fernando succeeds Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, who is due to retire from active military service on July 1 after serving as Commander of the Navy.
Before his promotion, Vice Admiral Fernando served as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy. A past pupil of St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa, he joined the Navy's Executive Branch as an Officer Cadet in 1991 and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in 1993 after completing training at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee.
During his nearly 35-year naval career, Vice Admiral Fernando has completed numerous local and international professional training programmes and specialized courses. He has been awarded the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) and the Uththama Sewa Padakkama (USP) for his distinguished service and gallantry, while also receiving six Letters of Commendation from successive Navy Commanders for his exemplary performance.
In addition to his military accomplishments, Vice Admiral Fernando holds a Master of Science in Defence Studies from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from King's College London, reflecting his strong academic foundation in defence and strategic studies.
