Damian Fernando | |
|---|---|
| 27th Commander of the Navy | |
| Assumed office 1 July 2026 | |
| President | Anura Kumara Dissanayake |
| Preceded by | Kanchana Banagoda |
| Chief of Staff of the Navy | |
| In office 31 December 2024 – 1 July 2026 | |
Commander of the Navy | Kanchana Banagoda |
| Preceded by | Kanchana Banagoda |
| Personal details | |
| Born | K. D. Damian C. Fernando |
| Education | |
| Joseph Vaz College | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Sri Lanka |
| Branch/service |  Sri Lanka Navy |
Years of service | 1991–present |
| Rank |   Vice Admiral |
| Battles/wars | Sri Lankan Civil War |
| Awards | |
Damian Fernando, RSP, USP, is a Sri Lankan vice admiral who has served as the 27th Commander of the Navy since 1 July 2026.[1]
Naval career
Fernando is an alumnus of Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy in 1991 as an officer cadet under the 21st intake, completed his basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in 1993.[1]
Fernando was appointed Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy on 31 December 2024 and served in that role until 1 July 2026.[1]
Commander of the Navy
On 30 June 2026, Fernando was appointed the 27th Commander of the Navy with effect from 1 July 2026 by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and was promoted to the rank of vice admiral.[1][2] He succeeded Admiral Kanchana Banagoda who retired on the same date.[3]
References
- Balasuriya, Darshana Sanjeewa (30 June 2026). "Vice Admiral Damian Fernando appointed new Navy Commander". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 30 June 2026. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- "Vice Admiral Damian Fernando Appointed as Sri Lanka's 27th Navy Commander". Newsfirst. 30 June 2026. Archived from the original on 30 June 2026. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- "Navy Commander Kanchana Banagoda promoted to Admiral ahead of retirement". Daily Mirror. 30 June 2026. Archived from the original on 30 June 2026. Retrieved 30 June 2026.