Local News from Sri Lanka: Former Sri Lankan Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda and former Sri Lankan Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathileke were conferred the highest military ranks by President Maithripala Sirisena at today’s investiture ceremony (19).
Karannagoda was therefore promoted as the Fleet Admiral while Gunathileke was promoted as the Sri Lankan Air Force Marshal. In an exceptional gazette notification, the President had previously given the honorary military ranks and today the official introduction took place at the Colombo Harbor premises.
From 2005 to 2009, Fleet Admiral Karannagoda served as the Navy Commander. Karannagoda, the first Naval Officer to obtain two Masters Degrees, was a member of the Royal Navigation Institute and the United Kingdom Nautical Institute.
He commanded four Operational Naval Commands on seven occasions before serving as the Navy Commander and rendered exceptional service to the Sri Lankan Navy’s advancement.
Admiral Karannagoda, who has the distinction of being the only officer to be regarded directly from the Naval Area Commander’s highest seat, is the recipient of numerous gallantry prizes such as “Ranashoora,” “VishishtaSevaVibhooshana,” “UththamaSeva” and “PoornaBhoomi.”
Appointed 12th Commander of the Sri Lankan Air Force on June 12, 2006, Mr. Roshan Gunathilake retired from his post on February 27, 2011.
In 1978, Air Chief Marshal WDRMJ Goonetileke joined the Air Force as an officer cadet and accumulated more than 4200 flying hours on both fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft in a career spanning more than thirty-three years.
Under his governance, in the final phases of the humanitarian operation, the Air Force was able to create a major difference that brought to an end the war that had already taken a substantial toll from the country.
Medals Rana Wickrama, Vishishta Seva Vibushana and Uththama Seva are several medals given in recognition of his country service.
On this occasion, Secretary to President Udaya R. Seneviratne, Secretary General of Defense Shantha Kottegoda, Chief of Defense Staff, tri-force commanders, Inspector General of Police and others took part.
