Major General Nishantha Manage assumed office as the 20th Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment on 05 November 2021 during a brief ceremony at the Vijayabahu Infantry Regimental Centre, Boyagane, Kurunegala adhering to health guidelines.

As the day's protagonist, Major General Nishantha Manage arrived at the VIR Regimental Centre, Brigadier Sumal Hemarathna, Centre Commandant of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment warmly received the newly-appointed VIR Chief at the main entrance. Thereafter, a Guard Turnout was awarded in accordance with military formalities before he paid tribute to fallen Vijayabahu War Heroes at the War Heroes Monument and the PWV Monument.

Later on, amidst religious observances Major General Nishantha Manage placed his signature in a formal document, symbolizing the assumption of duties. Leaving an indelible gesture in the premises, Major General Nishantha Manage was ushered to plant a tree sapling in the regimental premises and later on invited to pose for group photographs. As the day’s final showcase, the new Colonel of the Regiment addressed troops at the “Salute” Multifunctional Hall which was virtually broadcast to all VIR battalions via Zoom.

He is currently serving as the Commander at ARTRAC in Diyatalawa. Prior to this appointment, he served as the General Officer Commanding, 53 Division.

Major General Nishantha Manage joined the Sri Lanka Army on 21 July 1987 and attended basic military training at Sir John Kothalawala Defence University, Colombo and Sri Lanka military Academy, Diyatalawa. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 23rd June 1989 upon graduation from the Sir John Kothalawala Defence University (KDU) and posted to the 1st Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment. This Senior Officer obtained post graduate qualifications from Naval Postgraduate School California, USA/Marin Corps University Virginia, USA and University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka.