REAR ADMIRAL ANURA EKANAYAKE ENTRUSTED TO HOLD DUAL APPOINTMENT DCOS IN ADDITION

Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy with effect from 09^th July 2022.The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne handed over the letter of appointment to newly appointed Deputy Chief of Staff at his office in Naval Headquarters on 12^th July 2022 in addition to his appointment as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy, he is holding the office of the Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard and both are considered as leading prestigious offices in the country to ensure national security and a peaceful maritime environment in the island nation.

Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake had joined Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet in 1987 for the 16^th Intake and successfully completed his basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee. Adm Ekanayake was commissioned in 1989 as an Acting Sub Lieutenant in the Executive branch and then followed Sub Lieutenant Technical Course training from the Indian Navy. Further, he was specialized on Underwater warfare at the Anti-Submarine Warfare School; INS Venduruthy, Kochi; India.

Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake had obtained his “psc” from prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India with a Master's degree in Defence & Strategic Studies from Madras University. He had followed Amphibious Planning Senior Officer International Course, in CA, USA and holding a Master's degree in Maritime Policy from University of Wollongong, Australia. He was also opportune to follow many career development programmes both in foreign and local including the Diploma in International Relations at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake has commanded many ships and craft in the Sri Lanka Navy as Officer in Command of two Fast Attack Craft P 454 & P 471 (Dovras), Fast Personnel Carrier A543, Commanding Officer of Fast Gun Boat “Prathapa” and Fast Missile Vessel “Nanadimithra”. Further he had held number of important appointments during his distinguished naval service both at the Naval Headquarters and other Naval Commands including Deputy Director Naval Operations at Navy Headquarters, Deputy Director Maritime Special Forces, Director Naval Inspectorate, Training Captain of Naval and Maritime Academy, Commodore Sea Training under Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Military Coordinator at Disaster Management Center and Deputy Area Commander South Eastern Naval Area. Prior to taking over the helm of SLCG, he was holding the appointment of the Director Project and Planning at the Naval Headquarters.

In recognition of his distinguished service, this Rear Admiral has been awarded with Ranasura Padakkama (RSP) thrice for his demonstration of exceptional bravery in the face of the Enemy. Further he has been awarded Uththama Seva Padakkama (USP) for unblemished record of service and many other medals including campaign medals and letter of commendation from the Commander of Navy for significant service he rendered for the nation.

Rear Admiral Anura Ekanayake is married to Mrs. Sandya and they are blessed with 3 beautiful daughters.