
Major General Lasantha Rodrigo has been appointed as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, while Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda has been appointed as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, as announced by the Ministry of Defence.
Major General Rodrigo assumes the role of the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army following the retirement of Army Chief, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage. A highly experienced military officer, Major General Rodrigo previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and as the Commandant of the Defence Services Command and Staff College.
Rear Admiral Banagoda, who was appointed Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, had been serving as the Chief of Staff since August 2024. He has held several significant positions throughout his career, including commanding various Fast Attack Craft, Ships, and Naval Establishments.
His past roles also include Director of Naval Training and Commander of multiple naval areas such as Southeastern, North Central, and Northern Naval Areas.
Before becoming Chief of Staff, he served as the Commander of the Eastern Naval Area.
In recognition of his dedicated service, Rear Admiral Banagoda has been awarded the Rana Sura Padakkama for his bravery and the Uththama Sewa Padakkama for his exemplary character and commitment to duty.