Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva appointed as the 23rd Commander of the Navy
 

Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva, on being promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral, was appointed as the 23^rd Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy by His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces today (01^st January). The new Commander of the Navy received the letter of appointment from His Excellency the President at the President’s Official Residence yesterday. Accordingly, he is expected to assume duties in the new position with effect from 01^st January 2019.

Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva is a proud product of Dharmasoka College in Ambalangoda and joined the Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch as an Officer Cadet of the 12^th Intake in 1984. On successful completion of basic training, he was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in the Navy on 11^th February 1986. After being elevated to subsequent ranks in the Navy over the years, he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on 01^st November 2012. Being a veteran of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diving, the senior officer has rendered an unparalleled service to the organization and motherland in general, during his exemplary career in the Navy. Apart from that, he is well versed in Disaster Management activities and has always rendered his unwavering contribution to the nation when it is faced with calamities of different capacity.

In recognition of his noble service rendered for the motherland, Vice Admiral Silva has been awarded the Weera Wickrama Vibushanaya (WWV) twice, Rana Wikrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for gallantry, Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV) and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for exemplary conduct and a tally of medals. He has graduated with a Master’s Degree of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and also, in Master of Defence and Strategic Studies. Further, he followed his National Defence Course at the National Defence University in China. Being an avid sportsman, Vice Admiral Silva has been twice adjudged the Best Sportsman of the Sri Lanka Navy. Fittingly, he has represented the national basketball team at South Asian and Asian Basketball Tournaments on several occasions.

The senior officer held office as the Chief of Staff the Navy prior taking the helm of the Sri Lanka Navy. Apart from that, he also held 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 naval career. Moreover, he took much pride in commanding the elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and Diving Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy on crucial occasions.