Inter Command Combat Competition 2015

The former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral Jayanath Colombage, RSP, VSV, USP, rcds, psc MSc (DS), MA (IS), Dip in IR, Dip in CR, FNI (Lond), has become the first ever doctoral graduand of the General Sir John Kotalawala Defence University being conferred with a PhD degree. His area of study was ‘strategic studies’ focusing on ‘maritime security’ taking Sri Lanka Navy’s fight for Sea Control as a case study. This is the first time in our military history that a retired service commander has received a PhD degree.

Admiral Colombage was the 18th Commander of the Navy. He has been decorated with Rana Sura Padakkama for gallantry and awarded with many other medals that include Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya and Utthama Seva Padakkama. Successive Commanders of the Navy have issued him with ‘Letters of Commendation’ for his exceptional execution of duties and achievements in numerous fields. He has achieved many firsts in his distinguished, decorative and unblemished naval career spanning 36 years. Admiral Colombage has been conferred with two Masters Degrees; Master of Science in Defence Studies and Master of Arts in International Studies.