Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy

Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy effective from 1 July 2026. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, officially handed over the letter of appointment to Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage at the Navy Headquarters today (8 July 2026) and expressed best wishes to him in his new role.

Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, a distinguished old boy of Ananda College, Colombo, joined the Sri Lanka Navy in 1992 as an Officer Cadet of the 10th Intake of the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). On completion of basic training, he was commissioned as an Acting Sub Lieutenant in 1994 and went on to successfully complete his Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy in 1999. He specialised in Communications at the Indian Navy’s premier Signal School, INS Venduruthy in 2002.

His professional military education includes the Staff Course at the Naval Command College, China. He earned a Master of Arts in Security Studies (Combating Terrorism: Policy and Strategy) from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Furthermore, he completed the inaugural National Defence and Strategic Studies Course in Sri Lanka and was conferred with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in National Security and Strategic Studies. In his distinguished naval career the senior officer has steadily progressed and was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in 2024.

Rear Admiral Liyanagamage, who has held numerous positions in the Sri Lanka Navy during his tenure, has served as Officer in Command of Fast Attack Craft (FACs) as well as the Commanding Officer of various ships and establishments. He has also served in the appointments of Commandant Naval and Maritime Academy, Director Naval Operations, Director General Training and Director General Operations, prior serving as the Commander Northern Naval Area in addition to his new role as Deputy Chief of Staff.

During his training period, he has captained the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University rugby team, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Navy Rugby.

Rear Admiral Liyanagamage has been decorated with the Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy and Uththama Seva Padakkama (USP) for valuable service and devotion to duty and exemplary conduct. Moreover, the senior officer has received eight Letters of Commendation from successive Commanders of the Navy in recognition of his exceptional service and dedication.