COMMANDER FIELD ENGINEER BRIGADE
Brigadier HKP Karunathilaka RSP
Brigadier HKP Karunathilake RSP embarked on his distinguished military career upon being enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army on 1994 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Early assignments as Troop Commander at various operational locations, including Idaikadu, Achchuveli, and Wadukkodai, established his expertise in field operations and leadership.
He steadily progressed, earning his promotion to Lieutenant on November 9, 1997, and Captain on November 9, 2000, a testament to his dedication and professional competence. Brigadier Punya Karunathilake enhanced his operational capabilities through specialized training, including the Battalion Support Weapons Course (1996), Platoon Operations Course (1996), and the Young Officers' Course in Pakistan (2001-2002).
As an Officer Commanding, he led the 73 and 74 Field Squadrons, managing critical engineering operations in challenging environments. During his tenure, he also served as Adjutant at several locations, showcasing his administrative acumen. He was promoted to Major on June 1, 2005, while continuing to excel in command and staff roles in Brigade Major 594 Infantry Brigade, Staff Officer II (A) RHQ SLE, Chief Instructor of Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering and overlooking Staff Officer I (A) RHQ SLE.
Brigadier Punya Karunathilake’s service extended internationally, where he contributed to the UN Mission in Haiti (2010-2011) and participated in various United Nations training programs. His expertise in engineering and explosives was further honed through courses such as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course (2004) and the CBRN Response and Disaster Management Course (2017).
Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on April 21, 2015, appointed as the Staff Officer I – Army Seva Vanitha Unit and later he commanded the 7 Field Engineer Regiment, contributing significantly to disaster response and operational readiness. As the Commanding Officer of the Administrative Wing at the Officer Career Development Centre (OCDC), Buttala, he played a vital role to the organization.
His staff appointments include serving as General Staff Officer Grade 1 (Field) at HQ CFE and later as Colonel General Staff at the 59 Infantry Division, where he demonstrated strategic and operational leadership. He was promoted to Colonel on May 18, 2022, further solidifying his role as a senior leader in the Army.
In 2024, Brigadier Punya Karunathilake was appointed as the Commander, Field Engineer Brigade, a role reflecting his vast experience and capability in leading critical engineering and operational units. His career exemplifies dedication, professional excellence, and significant contributions to both national and international military endeavors.
COMMANDER PLANT ENGINEER BRIGADE
Col KASJ Kodithwakku USP ptsc
Colonel KASJ Kodithuwakku USP ptsc enlisted in the Sri Lanka Army on October 22, 1994, beginning his distinguished career as an Officer Cadet. Following rigorous training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on January 20, 1998. Demonstrating exemplary leadership, he was appointed Troop Commander in 7 Field Engineer Regiment in February 1998, a role he reprised after recovering from being wounded in action in 1999.
His commitment and tactical acumen earned him multiple promotions over the years, including to Lieutenant in May 1998, Captain in March 2001, and Major in April 2009. Throughout his service, Colonel Janaka Kodithuwakku has held key command and staff positions, such as Officer Commanding at Independent Workshop squadron, further showcasing his operational expertise. Notable assignments include leading UN Mission duties in 2006-2007 and serving as Brigade Major in the Engineering Brigade in 2012.
Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in July 2016, he was appointed as the Staff Officer I (Log) and General Staff Officer I at the RHQ SLE and later he assumed command of the 16 Workshop Regiment SLE in 2017, where he further honed his leadership abilities. Subsequently, he held roles such as General Staff Officer Grade 1 (Coordination) with the 56 Infantry Division and Colonel (Project) at the Field Engineer Brigade, among others. In 2023, he was assigned as Colonel (General Staff) at Headquarters, 22 Division, and later took on the role of Commander of the Plant Engineering Brigade in 2024.
Throughout his career, Colonel Janaka Kodithuwakku has been recognized for his dedication, receiving numerous commendations and accolades. His extensive service record exemplifies his unwavering commitment to his nation and the military.
