Susith Weerasekara
Encyclopedia
Rear admiral
Susith Maliya Bandara Weerasekara RSP
, VSV
, USP
, ndu, psn, MSc.
(DS) Mgmt, DISS, DIDSS (22 August 1959–) is a commissioned officer of the Sri Lanka Navy. He is the present Deputy Chief of Staff and the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force
. He is currently the second most senior ranked officer of the Sri Lanka Navy.
, he was educated at Nugawela Primary School, St. Anthony's College (Katugasthota) and Vidyartha College
. He represented Vidyartha College in Boxing
and Rugby
. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy at the age of 19 as an Officer Cadet
of the 7th intake. During his studies at the Naval and Maritime Academy
(Trincomalee) he won several awards including those for Highest Aggregate and Highest in Nautical subjects. Considering his performance he was selected to undergo the international Midshipman
course at the Britannia Royal Naval College
, which he completed with a high order of merit. In 1981 he completed the Sub-Lieutenant
technical course at INS Venduruthy
, achieving a first class pass. Based on these achievements he was selected first in the order of seniority, within the 7th intake. Later he specialized in communications at INS Venduruthy. His grade point average in this course of 94.3%, is still the highest by a foreign student.
He graduated from the Pakistan Naval Staff College (now Pakistan Naval War College
) in 1995, achieving first place in the order of merit among students. Later he completed a Master of Science
in Management, with a first class pass, at the Kotalawala Defence Academy (now Kotalawala Defence University). In 2008 he graduated from the PLA National Defense University
(Beijing, China) with a high order of merit. He is also an alumnus of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies
of the LTTE during Sri Lanka's War Against Terrorism
and undertaken such a long journey.
Other vessels commanded by him were,
P424 - Patrol Boat
SLNS Rakshaka - Fast Gun Boat (FGB)
SLNS Ranagaja - Landing Craft, Mechanical (LCM)
of the Naval and Maritime Academy
in Trincomalee. It was during his tenure in 2003, that the NMA received the President's Colour.
Land bases commanded by him were,
SLNS Tammanna, Talaimannar
, North Central Naval Command
SLNS Tissa, Trincomalee
, Eastern Naval Command
, from 2006 to 2009 he served as the Director of Naval Operation (DNO), Director General Operations (DGO) and lastly the Commander of the Eastern Naval Area (ComEast). Most of the LTTE's arms supply ships were sunk, whilst he was serving as DGO
His other appointments in directorates and area commands were,
Deputy Director Naval Personnel (DDNP)
Deputy Director Naval Training (DDNT)
Deputy Area Commander, Western Naval Area (DAC-West)
Director Naval Administration (DNA)
Director Naval Welfare (DNW)
Area Commander, Western Naval Area (ComWest)
Area Commander, Northern Naval Area (ComNorth)
In 2009 he was appointed the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy. At present he also serves as Commandant of the Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force
. During his tenure as ComNorth the Northern Naval Command was presented with the President's colour.
for gallantry at sea and the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya
for distinguished service of more than 25 years, with flawless military and moral conduct.
Other medals awarded to him include,
Uttama Seva Padakkama
Sri Lanka Navy 50th Anniversary Medal and Clasp
Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal
and Clasp
50th Independence Anniversary Medal
Eastern Humanitarian Operations Medal
Northern Humanitarian Operations Medal
North and East Operations Medal
Purna Bhumi Padakkama
Vadamarachchi Operation Medal
He has represented the Sri Lanka Navy in Rugby
had escaped or was planning to escape the island by sea. Even the Army Commander at the time Sarath Fonseka
, speculated that Prabhakaran might escape by sea
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper Rear Admiral Weerasekara, then Commander of the Eastern Naval Area not only denied these rumors on the escape of Prabhakaran but issued and open challenge to attempt it if the LTTE leader dared.
"If he (Prabhakaran) can escape from the country through the sea, we are ready to face it, that would be the final journey for him,"
As predicted, the LTTE leader had no chance of escaping by sea and his body was recovered by Sri Lankan Army troops on the 18th of May 2009 at the Nandikadal Lagoon.
Since the conclusion of hostilities till April 2011, in his capacity as Commander of the Northern Naval area, he has played an active role in the Government of Sri Lanka's policy of winning the hearts and minds of the Northern populace.
Rear Admiral
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
Susith Maliya Bandara Weerasekara RSP
Rana Sura Padakkama
The Rana Sura Padakkama is a medal presented to members of all ranks of the Military of Sri Lanka for individual and/or associated acts of heroism in facing the enemy and performed of their own accord. The decoration is presented by the President of Sri Lanka...
, VSV
Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya
The Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya medal and bar are presented to Sri Lankan senior military officers of three services, given that their loyal service is of not less than 25 years and possess a perfectly flawless record of moral and military conduct, will be appropriate for the award...
, USP
Uttama Seva Padakkama
The Uttama Seva Padakkama is presented to all ranks of the Regular Forces of the Sri Lankan military for valuable service and dedication to duty with the outstanding ability, merit and excellent conduct, given that they count not less than 15 years continuous and uninterrupted service and possess...
, ndu, psn, MSc.
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
(DS) Mgmt, DISS, DIDSS (22 August 1959–) is a commissioned officer of the Sri Lanka Navy. He is the present Deputy Chief of Staff and the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force
Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force
The Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force is the volunteer reserve force of the Sri Lanka Navy. The present headquarters of the VNF is at SLNS Lanka in Welisara. 95% of the members of the Volunteer Naval Force are now in the active service and deployed across almost all Sri Lankan Naval bases, with a...
. He is currently the second most senior ranked officer of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Education
Born in Nugawela, KandyKandy
Kandy is a city in the center of Sri Lanka. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka; it is both an...
, he was educated at Nugawela Primary School, St. Anthony's College (Katugasthota) and Vidyartha College
Vidyartha College
Vidyartha College is a leading boys' school in Sri Lanka. Located in The Kandy District - Sri Lanka's Central-most District, if you look at a Map of Sri Lanka - of The Central Province....
. He represented Vidyartha College in Boxing
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
and Rugby
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy at the age of 19 as an Officer Cadet
Officer Cadet
Officer cadet is a rank held by military and merchant navy cadets during their training to become commissioned officers and merchant navy officers, respectively. The term officer trainee is used interchangeably in some countries...
of the 7th intake. During his studies at the Naval and Maritime Academy
Naval and Maritime Academy
Naval and Maritime Academy , Trincomalee, is the location of initial officer training in the Sri Lanka Navy, and is located within SLN Dockyard, Trincomalee. It received university status in 2001...
(Trincomalee) he won several awards including those for Highest Aggregate and Highest in Nautical subjects. Considering his performance he was selected to undergo the international Midshipman
Midshipman
A midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
course at the Britannia Royal Naval College
Britannia Royal Naval College
Britannia Royal Naval College is the initial officer training establishment of the Royal Navy, located on a hill overlooking Dartmouth, Devon, England. While Royal Naval officer training has taken place in the town since 1863, the buildings which are seen today were only finished in 1905, and...
, which he completed with a high order of merit. In 1981 he completed the Sub-Lieutenant
Sub-Lieutenant
Sub-lieutenant is a military rank. It is normally a junior officer rank.In many navies, a sub-lieutenant is a naval commissioned or subordinate officer, ranking below a lieutenant. In the Royal Navy the rank of sub-lieutenant is equivalent to the rank of lieutenant in the British Army and of...
technical course at INS Venduruthy
INS Venduruthy
INS Venduruthy is the oldest naval establishment in Kochi, India. A small naval unit was set up just two days prior to the outbreak of World War II it is currently being used as a Seamen Training Establishment...
, achieving a first class pass. Based on these achievements he was selected first in the order of seniority, within the 7th intake. Later he specialized in communications at INS Venduruthy. His grade point average in this course of 94.3%, is still the highest by a foreign student.
He graduated from the Pakistan Naval Staff College (now Pakistan Naval War College
Pakistan Naval War College
The Naval War College is the Pakistan Navy academic establishment providing training and education primarily to the mid-career officers of Pakistan Navy as well as to a limited number of officers from Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Army and various Allied forces...
) in 1995, achieving first place in the order of merit among students. Later he completed a Master of Science
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
in Management, with a first class pass, at the Kotalawala Defence Academy (now Kotalawala Defence University). In 2008 he graduated from the PLA National Defense University
PLA National Defense University
The PLA National Defense University is a state university administered by the PLA. It is the highest education institution for military education in mainland China.The university located in Beijing under the leadership of PLA Central Committee...
(Beijing, China) with a high order of merit. He is also an alumnus of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies
Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies
The is a United States Department of Defense regional study, conference, and research center established in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States on September 4, 1995. The Center supports the United States Pacific Command theater security cooperation strategy of maintaining positive security...
Naval career
He has served the Sri Lanka Navy with distinction and valour in several maritime and land appointments, taking part in several confrontations against the Sea TigersSea Tigers
The Sea Tigers was the naval wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam during the Sri Lankan Civil War. It was founded in 1984. The Sea Tigers had a number of small but effective suicide bomber vessels. During its existence it had gained a reputation as a capable adversary for the Sri Lankan Navy...
of the LTTE during Sri Lanka's War Against Terrorism
Sri Lankan civil war
The Sri Lankan Civil War was a conflict fought on the island of Sri Lanka. Beginning on July 23, 1983, there was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , a separatist militant organization which fought to create an independent Tamil state named Tamil...
Maritime Commands
He was the first commanding officer of the SLNS Nandimithra, one of the first ever Fast Missile Vessels (FMV) acquired by the Sri Lanka Navy. Serving the rank of Captain at the time, he was selected to undergo training and thereafter sail the vessel from Haifa, Israel to Colombo, Sri Lanka. This was only the second time ever, and the first time in over four decades, that a Sri Lankan Naval vessel had crossed the Suez CanalSuez Canal
The Suez Canal , also known by the nickname "The Highway to India", is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation...
and undertaken such a long journey.
Other vessels commanded by him were,
P424 - Patrol Boat
SLNS Rakshaka - Fast Gun Boat (FGB)
SLNS Ranagaja - Landing Craft, Mechanical (LCM)
Land Commands
He has served as the CommandantCommandant
Commandant is a senior title often given to the officer in charge of a large training establishment or academy. This usage is common in anglophone nations...
of the Naval and Maritime Academy
Naval and Maritime Academy
Naval and Maritime Academy , Trincomalee, is the location of initial officer training in the Sri Lanka Navy, and is located within SLN Dockyard, Trincomalee. It received university status in 2001...
in Trincomalee. It was during his tenure in 2003, that the NMA received the President's Colour.
Land bases commanded by him were,
SLNS Tammanna, Talaimannar
Talaimannar
Talaimannar is a settlement in Sri Lanka located on the northwestern coast of Mannar Island.- Transport :Prior to the severe destructions by a cyclone in December 1964, it was the terminus of a ferry service to India across the very shallow Palk Bay...
, North Central Naval Command
SLNS Tissa, Trincomalee
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a port city in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka and lies on the east coast of the island, about 113 miles south of Jaffna. It has a population of approximately 100,000 . The city is built on a peninsula, which divides the inner and outer harbours. Overlooking the Kottiyar Bay,...
, Eastern Naval Command
Directorate and Area Commands
During the final and decisive phase of Sri Lanka's War Against TerrorismSri Lankan civil war
The Sri Lankan Civil War was a conflict fought on the island of Sri Lanka. Beginning on July 23, 1983, there was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , a separatist militant organization which fought to create an independent Tamil state named Tamil...
, from 2006 to 2009 he served as the Director of Naval Operation (DNO), Director General Operations (DGO) and lastly the Commander of the Eastern Naval Area (ComEast). Most of the LTTE's arms supply ships were sunk, whilst he was serving as DGO
His other appointments in directorates and area commands were,
Deputy Director Naval Personnel (DDNP)
Deputy Director Naval Training (DDNT)
Deputy Area Commander, Western Naval Area (DAC-West)
Director Naval Administration (DNA)
Director Naval Welfare (DNW)
Area Commander, Western Naval Area (ComWest)
Area Commander, Northern Naval Area (ComNorth)
In 2009 he was appointed the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy. At present he also serves as Commandant of the Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force
Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force
The Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force is the volunteer reserve force of the Sri Lanka Navy. The present headquarters of the VNF is at SLNS Lanka in Welisara. 95% of the members of the Volunteer Naval Force are now in the active service and deployed across almost all Sri Lankan Naval bases, with a...
. During his tenure as ComNorth the Northern Naval Command was presented with the President's colour.
Decorations and medals
He is the recipient of the Rana Sura PadakkamaRana Sura Padakkama
The Rana Sura Padakkama is a medal presented to members of all ranks of the Military of Sri Lanka for individual and/or associated acts of heroism in facing the enemy and performed of their own accord. The decoration is presented by the President of Sri Lanka...
for gallantry at sea and the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya
Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya
The Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya medal and bar are presented to Sri Lankan senior military officers of three services, given that their loyal service is of not less than 25 years and possess a perfectly flawless record of moral and military conduct, will be appropriate for the award...
for distinguished service of more than 25 years, with flawless military and moral conduct.
Other medals awarded to him include,
Uttama Seva Padakkama
Uttama Seva Padakkama
The Uttama Seva Padakkama is presented to all ranks of the Regular Forces of the Sri Lankan military for valuable service and dedication to duty with the outstanding ability, merit and excellent conduct, given that they count not less than 15 years continuous and uninterrupted service and possess...
Sri Lanka Navy 50th Anniversary Medal and Clasp
Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal
Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal
The Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal shall be granted to All regular officers and other ranks of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force, who complete 12 years continuous service and whose character and conduct have been irreproachable and who are recommended by their...
and Clasp
50th Independence Anniversary Medal
Eastern Humanitarian Operations Medal
Northern Humanitarian Operations Medal
North and East Operations Medal
North and East Operations Medal
The North and East Operations Medal is presented to all ranks of the Regular and Volunteer Forces of the military of the Republic of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Police, who have served in the Norther and Eastern provinces for an accumulated period of 3 years since July 23, 1983.-Areas of service...
Purna Bhumi Padakkama
Purna Bhumi Padakkama
The Purna Bhumi Padakkama is presented to all ranks of the Regular and Volunteer Forces of the military of the Republic of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Police, who have served in the districts of:* Jaffna since July 22, 1977....
Vadamarachchi Operation Medal
Vadamarachchi Operation Medal
The Vadamarachchi Operation Medal is presented to all ranks of the Regular and Volunteer Forces of the military of the Republic of Sri Lanka, that who have served in Vadamarachchi Operation and the below mentioned tasks....
Other Achievements
In 1998, he was chosen to command the Naval contingent, at the military parade to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence. His paper titled "Maritime Security - Need for international cooperation", was presented and well received at the International Security Symposium held in 2008, in Beijing, China. He was one of the speakers at the Maritime Symposium organized in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Navy's diamond jubilee celebration in 2010.He has represented the Sri Lanka Navy in Rugby
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
Role during War on Terror
In early 2009 as the Sri Lanka Army was closing in on the last areas occupied by the LTTE, the Eastern and Northern Commands of the Sri Lanka Navy performed a stellar role in preventing top terror leaders from escaping by sea. By the end of April there were rumors that LTTE leader Velupillai PrabhakaranVelupillai Prabhakaran
Thiruvenkadam Velupillai Prabhakaran was the founder and leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , a militant organization that sought to create an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka...
had escaped or was planning to escape the island by sea. Even the Army Commander at the time Sarath Fonseka
Sarath Fonseka
Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka, known as Sarath Fonseka is a former commander and General of the Sri Lanka Army and a former candidate for President of Sri Lanka. As Commander of the Army, he played an instrumental role in ending the 26 year Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, defeating the...
, speculated that Prabhakaran might escape by sea
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper Rear Admiral Weerasekara, then Commander of the Eastern Naval Area not only denied these rumors on the escape of Prabhakaran but issued and open challenge to attempt it if the LTTE leader dared.
"If he (Prabhakaran) can escape from the country through the sea, we are ready to face it, that would be the final journey for him,"
As predicted, the LTTE leader had no chance of escaping by sea and his body was recovered by Sri Lankan Army troops on the 18th of May 2009 at the Nandikadal Lagoon.
Since the conclusion of hostilities till April 2011, in his capacity as Commander of the Northern Naval area, he has played an active role in the Government of Sri Lanka's policy of winning the hearts and minds of the Northern populace.