COMMANDER OF THE NAVY CALLS ON CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
The newly appointed Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva called on the Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff(OCDS), at BMICH today (07 January 2019).\r\n\r\nThis marks the new Navy Chief 's first official meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff since assuming duty as the 23rd Commander of the Navy on 1st January 2019. \r\n\r\nVice Admiral Piyal De Silva joined the Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch as an Officer Cadet of the 12th Intake in 1984. He is a Specialized Diver and a veteran of Explosive Ordnance Disposal diving. As Admiral Wijegunaratne has done, Vice Admiral Piyal de Silva has also commanded the elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) of the Sri Lanka Navy at a crucial time. Vice Admiral Silva has been awarded the Weera Wickrama Vibushanaya (WWV) twice, Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery in the face of enemy. He also has been awarded the Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV) and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for his exemplary conduct in the Navy. Vice Admiral Silva has been adjudged the Best Sportsman of the Sri Lanka Navy twice. Fittingly, he has represented the national Basketball team at South Asian and Asian Basketball Tournaments on several occasions. Both Admiral Wijegunaratne and VIce Admiral Piyal De Silva played for Navy Rugby Football team together from 1988 to 1992.\r\n\r\nHe has been graduated with a Master 's Degree of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and also, a Master of Defence and Strategic Studies. He has also held a number of notable appointments including the Director General Operations, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Commander Eastern, Southern, North-western and Northern Naval areas and Commanding Officer of a number of ships, craft and establishments during his illustrious naval career. Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva held the office as the Chief of Staff of the Navy from 02nd July 2018 to 31st December 2018, prior reaching the helm of the Sri Lanka Navy.\r\n\r\nDuring the cordial discussion held, Admiral Wijegunaratne conveyed his best wishes to the new Commander of the Navy. Subsequent to the discussion mementos were also exchanged signifying the occasion.\r\n
