KDU Alumni Association
KDU Alumni Association
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Lieutenant
Commander Chandana Rathnayake, joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 23rd
September 2007 as an Officer Cadet of the 25th intake of Kotelawala
Defence University (KDU). He underwent initial training and advance naval
training at KDU and Naval & Maritime Academy (NMA) respectively. On successful
completion of the training, he has been awarded with Best Midshipman trophy
(Sword of hounor) and commissioned on 23rd September 2009.
Lieutenant Commander (H) Chandana Rathnayake secured a first class Bachelor of
Science (Defence Studies) in Management and Technical Science Degree from KDU. He
also conferred Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management
from KDU. Further, he has completed Hydrographic Survey for Production of
Nautical charts (CAT - B) course from Pakistan in 2016. He also completed HM
Advanced Survey Course (FIG/IHO/ICA standards
of competence for hydrographic surveyors Category A course) with first Class pass
at Maritime Warfare School, HMS Drake - United Kingdom and conferred Post-Graduate
Diploma in Hydrographic Surveying from University of Plymouth – UK.
He has held number of key
appointments both afloat and ashore. He counts nearly half of his career at
sea. He had served on board Fast Attack Craft (FAC), Fast Gun Boats (FGB), Offshore
Patrol Vessels (OPV) and Advance Offshore Patrol vessels (AOPV). Out of these,
he commanded two Fast Attack Craft and he also handpicked to take over the
newly acquired AOPV from United States and actively take part in her home bound
voyage from USA to Sri Lanka. In addition to that he held number of
appointments in various bases and establishments of Sri Lanka Navy. He also
served as the Officer Instructor for the Officer Cadets at Naval and Maritime
Academy, Trincomalee for two tenures. At present, he is appointed as Officer in
Charge of Hydrographic School in Sri Lanka Navy located within Naval &
Maritime Academy. Lieutenant Commander (H) Chandana Rathnayake has followed
local and foreign professional courses during his illustrious naval career such
as, Executive officer’s basic course (XOBC) in Bangladesh, and Basic Marine
Officer Course (BMOC) in Pakistan.
Lieutenant Commander (H) Chandana
Rathnayake is a recipient of the Commander of the Navy's commendation badge for
sound conduct and devotion to the duty. He has also been bestowed with Surface
Warfare badge and Fast Attack Craft badge in recognition of his exemplary
service at sea respectively. He is married to Mrs Uthpala Rathnayke and blessed
with 02 daughters Sethuli and Pasadi.