New Navy Chief of Staff assumes duties

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed Rear Admiral Wasantha Tennakoon as the Chief of Staff of the Navy with effect from May 21, 2007.

Rear Admiral Tennakoon joined the Sri Lanka Navy on August 20, 1973 as an officer cadet. Rising through the Naval ranks for almost 32 years, he was elevated to the rank of Rear Admiral in 2005.

He has held posts of Deputy Chief of Staff, Director General Services, Director Naval Welfare and Administration, Commander Northern, North central, Southern Naval Areas, and Squadron Commander Fast Attack Craft Flotilla and Commanded many ships and shore establishments in the Navy.

He has been awarded 12 medals during his career for distinguished service, merit and campaigns, including the Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP) twice for gallantry.

He also has served as an Officiating Commandant (Vice Chancellor) Sir John Kothalawela Defence University. He is an alumni of Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (USA) and Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (USA).

He is specialist in Gunnery specialized in India and a graduate from the prestigious Naval Defence College in Pakistan. He holds the Masters Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies as well