Lt. Gen. Nilantha Premaratne Appointed 26th Sri Lanka Army Commander 🎖️

• Appointment & Promotion: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Major General Nilantha Premaratne as the 26th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant General effective August 1, 2026. The appointment letter was presented by Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. • Succession: He succeeds General Lasantha Rodrigo following his retirement from the post. • Career & Background: • Joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet in 1990 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 in the Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment. • Served a 36-year military career holding key senior command and staff positions, including Chief of Staff. • Qualifications & Awards: • Holds Master's degrees in Defence Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School (USA) and the University of Kelaniya. • Recipient of the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) twice for gallantry during humanitarian operations, and the Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for distinguished service.