KDU Alumni Association
KDU Alumni Association
{I am Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris, and I began my career in the Sri Lanka Navy on 03rd November 1990, after studying at St. Sylvester’s College Kandy. I was commissioned as an Acting Sub Lieutenant in 1993. I earned my BSc in Defence Studies in Mechanical Engineering from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in the same year and completed my Sub Lieutenant Technical Course in 1995. My specialization in Gunnery was achieved at INS Dronacharya, India, in 2001. I also trained in War Ship Ammunition Maintenance at the PLA Naval University of Engineering in Wuhan in 2008 and completed Command and Staff Course at DSCSC Makola in 2010. Further, I followed the Senior Naval Command Course at Naval Command College in Nanjing, China, in 2016 and completed National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Bangladesh, in 2020. I hold double master’s degrees from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh University of Professionals in Dhaka, specializing in Defence Studies and Security and Development. More than 34 years of service, including 12 years at sea on various vessels, I have held key positions such as Director Naval Operations, Director Marine Special Forces, and Director Naval Maritime Surveillance at Naval Headquarters. I’ve also been involved in training at DSCSC Makola and the Naval and Maritime Academy Trincomalee. Notably, I served as A/Secretary to the Colombo Security Conclave from 2021 to 2022 and as the Sri Lankan Governor to ReCAAP in 2024. Additionally, I was a Military Observer with the United Nations Mission in Sudan from 2005 to 2006. I’ve also served as Deputy Area Commander Southern Naval Area and Area Commander North Western Naval Area before my current role as Director General Operations. Throughout my career, I’ve been actively involved in naval operations during the Eelam War and have been awarded the Rana Sura Padakkama twice for bravery. I’ve also received four commendations from the Commander of the Navy for my dedicated service during my tenure. I am married to Mrs. Champika Kumari, and we have two children, Daham and Dahami.}