Newly Appointed Chief of Staff Called on the Army Chief

Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu was appointed as the new Chief of Staff on 16 September 2024. After assuming duties, the new Chief of Staff called on Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, the Commander of the Army, at the Commander's office on 18 September 2024. Prior to this appointment, Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu served as the Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF). In addition to his present position, the Senior Officer is also serving as Colonel of the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.

During the interaction, the Commander of the Army presented a memento to Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, extending best wishes on this significant milestone in his military career. The new Chief of Staff reciprocated this gesture with appreciation.

Here follows a brief profile of Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu:

Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu was born on 09 February 1970 and is a proud alumnus of St. Benedict’s College, Colombo 13. He joined the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 20 January 1989, enrolling in Intake 31 at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa. He completed his basic military training at the Indian Military Academy, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 05 October 1990 and posted to the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. Over his 35-year career, he has gained extensive experience and skills from various command, staff, and instructional appointments.

In the early stages of his career, the Senior Officer held several Battalion-level appointments, including Platoon Commander and Officer Commanding of the 6th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Second-in-Command of the 8th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Reinforcement Troops Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, and the 9th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. He has also commanded the 241 and 552 Infantry Brigades. Additionally, he has undertaken significant roles as the Centre Commandant of the Military Intelligence Corps, General Officer Commanding of 21 Infantry Division, Commander - the Security Forces (Wanni), and Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force. His staff appointments include General Staff Officer 3 at the Headquarters Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, General Staff Officer 3 and 2 at the 23 and 53 Divisions respectively, Staff Officer 2 at the Military Secretary’s Branch Army Headquarters, Staff Officer 2 (Legal) at the Regimental Headquarters, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Staff Officer 1 and Colonel (Administration) at the Adjutant General’s Branch Army Headquarters, and Colonel General Staff of 62 Infantry Division. He has also served as a United Nations Military Observer in Ethiopia and Sudan and performed duties as the Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence.

Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara has attended numerous local and international courses of academic and professional value, including the Young Officers' Course in India, Junior Command Course in India, Officers’ Weapon Course in Bangladesh, United Nations Military Observer Course in Malaysia, and Infantry Senior Commander Course in China.

He has been awarded the gallantry award of Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) in recognition of his bravery and eminent service on the battlefield. His outstanding service has been further acknowledged with numerous accolades, including the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya and Utthama Seva Padakkama. Additionally, he is a graduate of the National Defence University of Indonesia.

Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu is married to Mrs. Neluka Nanayakkara and blessed with three children.