Local News Update: Brig. Chandana Wickramasinghe RWP RSP psc MA (IR) assumed duties as the new Director of the Defence Ministry Media Centre in Colpetty, Colombo 3, today.
The ceremony was dignified by chanting of ‘Pirith’ by members of the Maha Sangha.
Prior to this appointment, he was in South Korea to read for the National Defence University (NDU) course. Brig. Wickramasinghe during his Army career of more than 30 years after he was enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army (Regular Force) in 1989 has to-date held a number of Command and Staff appointments.
After completion of his basic military training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) (Regular Intake 87) and Sri Lanka Military Academy (Intake 31), Brig. Wickramasinghe received his graduation as a commissioned officer in the Rank of 2nd Lieutenant and was subsequently posted as an Infantry Officer to the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army.
He also served as a Military Staff Officer in the United Nations mission in Haiti during 2007 – 2008 and also as a UN Civil-Military trainer.
In recognition of his commitment to the defense of the country and bravery in the war for peace, he was awarded gallantry medals, Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP), Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), each medal twice. He also has served as a Brigade Commander in the 511 Brigade in Jaffna.
Outgoing Director Maj. Gen Sumith Atapattu, Director Media of the Defence Ministry Shanika Sriyananda, officers and other ranks of the Media Centre were also present at the occasion.
On Tuesday, he also assumed office as the 17th Director of Army Media cum new Military Spokesman in a simple ceremony held at the Army Headquarters in Sri Jayewardenepura.
The outgoing Director General Media, Maj. Gen. Sumith Atapattu, Media Advisor, Sisira Wijesinghe, Colonel Media Vijitha Hettiarchchi, senior officers, officers and other ranks were present during the brief ceremony.
