Damian Fernando

Vice Admiral Damian Fernando assumed office as the 27^th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 01^st July 2026. Prior to his advent to the helm of the Sri Lanka Navy, he served as the Chief of Staff (CoS) since 31^st December 2024.

Vice Admiral Damian Fernando joined the Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 21^st Intake on 12^th September 1991, after completing his education at the St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennapuwa. Having successfully completed his basic naval training at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee, he was commissioned as an Acting Sub Lieutenant on 12^th September 1993, also securing two prestigious awards of ‘Highest Aggregate in Technical Subjects’ and ‘Best Marksman’, marking the beginning of a distinguished naval career spanning more than three decades.

An officer of exceptional professional competence, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando completed the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, graduating first in the order of merit. He later specialised in Gunnery and Missiles at the Indian Navy's premier training establishment, INS Dronacharya, where he was adjudged the ‘Best All Round Officer’. As one of the pioneering officers entrusted with introducing missile capability to the Sri Lanka Navy Fleet, he played a significant role in strengthening the Navy's operational combat capability. He further enhanced his technical expertise by successfully completing the Naval Gun Maintenance Engineer Course in the People's Republic of China.

Committed to lifelong professional development, Vice Admiral Fernando is a graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), United Kingdom, earning the coveted post-nominal 'rcds'. He holds a Master of Science degree in Management (Defence Studies) from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and a Master of Arts degree in International Security and Strategy from King's College London. He is also a distinguished alumnus of the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) in Honolulu, Hawaii, and an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute, United Kingdom.

His academic and professional development has been further enriched through specialised training in Defence Diplomacy, having successfully completed the Defence Attaché Course conducted by the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI), the training arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, he completed the United States Navy's Flag Level Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) Course conducted by the United States Naval War College.

Throughout his illustrious naval career, Vice Admiral Fernando has held numerous key command, staff and instructional appointments that have significantly contributed to the operational readiness, professional development and institutional advancement of the Sri Lanka Navy. His appointments include Naval Armament Officer at the Naval Armament Department of the Naval Dockyard, Deputy Director Naval Weapons at Naval Headquarters, Commander of the 4th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla (4 FAF) the Navy's leading fighting flotilla, Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) Navy’s premier naval training establishment, Director General Personnel at Naval Headquarters, Commander North Central Naval Area, Commander Eastern Naval Area and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy.

A highly accomplished seagoing officer, Vice Admiral Fernando has commanded several Fast Attack Craft (FAC), Fast Gun Boats (FGBs) and the Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘SLNS Samudura’, while serving in numerous other frontline warships during his distinguished operational career.

In recognition of his gallantry, distinguished leadership and exemplary service to the nation, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando has been awarded the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), Uththama Seva Padakkama (USP) and ten other service medals. He is also a recipient of the Commander's Commendation Badge with Five Stars, having received seven commendations from successive Commanders of the Navy in recognition of his exceptional dedication, professional excellence and outstanding contributions to the service and the nation.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando has been an enthusiastic sportsman and proudly represented the Navy Cricket Team and had also served as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Navy Cricket Association previously reflecting his enduring commitment to teamwork, discipline and excellence both on and off the field.

Vice Admiral Damian Fernando is married to Mrs. Kaushalya Opatha Fernando and they are blessed with two daughters, Kalsha, Cecilia and son Febian.