Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda promoted to Admiral rank

Kanchana Banagoda, a distinguished alumnus of St. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela, joined the Sri Lanka Navy executive branch in 1989 as an officer cadet from the 19th intake. He completed his initial training at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee and received his commission as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1991. His professional development includes a technical course in 1993, followed by an Anti-Submarine Warfare long course at the Indian Naval Ship Venduruthy in 2000.

After steady career progression, he attained the rank of Rear Admiral on 4 May 2022. His academic achievements feature a Command and Staff course from the Bangladesh Defence Services Command and Staff College in 2009, a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2015, and a Master of Maritime Policy from the University of Wollongong, Australia, in 2019. Furthermore, he completed the National Defence and Strategic Studies course at the National Defence College in Colombo in 2021.

Throughout his career, he served in various capacities, including Commanding Officer of Fast Attack Craft and various naval ships and shore establishments. He contributed actively to anti-terrorism operations for nearly three decades and received the Rana Sura Padakkama for bravery in combat. Additionally, he earned the Uththama Seva Padakkama in recognition of his dedicated service, impeccable character, and commitment to duty.