Major General S.R.B Aluvihare appointed as new chief of staff of the Army

On Thursday (20), Major General S.R.B Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc was appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Army, becoming the 64th officer to hold this prestigious position. He received his letter of appointment from Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, the Commander of the Army, during a ceremony at the Commander's office.

Prior to this appointment, Major General Aluvihare served as the Commander of the Security Forces - Central and is also the Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.

Brief Profile of Major General S.R.B Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc
Born on 16 September 1969, Major General S.R.B Aluvihare is an alumnus of Maliyadewa College, Kurunegala. He joined the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 26 July 1988, as part of 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 5 October 1990, joining the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning over 35 years, Major General Aluvihare has held numerous command, staff, and instructional appointments. His early career saw him in various roles at the battalion level, including Platoon Commander, Intelligence Officer, Officer Commanding, and Second in Command. He also commanded the 4th Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.

Major General Aluvihare's service record includes commanding the 571 and 553 Infantry Brigades and serving as the General Officer Commanding of the 58 and 11 Infantry Divisions. At the Sri Lanka Military Academy, he served in multiple capacities such as Officer Instructor, Company Commander, Adjutant, Chief Instructor, and Commanding Officer of the Officer Cadet Wing. He also coordinated the Special Young Officers Course at the Infantry Training Centre and served as the Commandant of the Army Training School in Maduru Oya.

In addition to his extensive experience, Major General Aluvihare has attended several significant local and international courses, including the Young Officers’ Course in Pakistan, the Officers’ Transport Management Course and Junior Command Course in India, and the Infantry Battalion Commander Programme in China. He holds gallantry awards, including the Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), for his distinguished conduct in the face of the enemy.

Major General Aluvihare is a graduate of the National Defence University of China and the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Sapugaskanda. He earned his Master’s Degree in Defence Studies from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

Major General Aluvihare is married to Mrs. Thushara Yatiwawala, and the couple is blessed with two daughters.