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Security Forces Headquarters
(East)

Commander Security Forces (East)

MAJOR GENERAL M K U P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG
COMMANDER - SF (EAST)


Major General M K U P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG is a battle-harden senior Artillery Officer who has served in various command, staff, and instructional appointments during his illustrious military career of 34 long years. He assumed duties as the 26th Commander of the Security Forces - East on 14th August 2023.

He joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet of Intake 31 on 17 February 1989 and followed the basic military training at Sri Lanka Military Academy and prestigious Pakistan Military Academy.

He was commissioned to Sri Lanka Artillery as a Second Lieutenant on 05th October 1990 on successful completion his basic military training and assumed responsibilities as a Troop Commander at the 7th Regiment, Sri Lanka Artillery.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

Followings are the significant command appointments held by Major General Prasanna Gunaratne at different levels of his military career:

  • Troop Commander – 7th Regiment, Sri Lanka Artillery
  • Battery Commander – 7th Regiment, Sri Lanka Artillery
  • Commanding Officer – 11th Regiment, Sri Lanka Artillery
  • Commandant — School of Artillery
  • Commander — 623 Infantry Brigade
  • General Officer Commanding – 55 Infantry Division
  • Commander, Security Forces (East)

Major General Prasanna Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG also had held following staff and instructor appointments at various headquarters/training establishments of the Sri Lanka Army covering all theatres of operations:

  • Officer Instructor – Sri Lanka Military Academy
  • Brigade Major - 223 Brigade
  • General Staff officer II (Trg) — 21 Division
  • General Staff officer I (Ops) — Security Force Headquarters (East)
  • General Staff Officer I (Ops) - 11 Division
  • Senior Instructor - Officer Career Development Centre
  • Colonel General Staff Officer - 11 Division
  • Deputy Centre Commandant - Regimental Headquarters, Sri Lanka Artillery
  • Centre Commandant – Regimental Headquarters, Sri Lanka Artillery
  • Brigadier General Staff - Security Forces Headquarters (Jaffna)

This dedicated and esteemed soldier has been the recipient of the Gallantry Award of Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for three times in recognition of his distinguished 2 conduct in the face of the enemy. He also is being awarded with following medals during his exemplary military career:

  • Rana Sura Padakkama
  • East Humanitarian Operation Medal
  • North Humanitarian Operation Medal
  • Purna Bhumi Padakkama
  • North and East Operations Medal
  • Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal
  • Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal
  • Sevabhimani Medal
  • Service Medal
  • 75th Independence Anniversary Medal
  • Riviresa Campaign Service Medal
  • 50th Independence Anniversary Medal

During his illustrious career, Major General Prasanna Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, followed a number of local and foreign military courses, training programs and attended many seminars. Followings are the most significant of those:

  • Platoon Commander Advance Course - Local
  • Young Officers Preparatory Course - Local
  • Artillery Young Officers Course - India
  • Junior Staff Course - Local
  • Command & Staff College Course - Local
  • Advance Gunnery (Field) - India
  • Officers’ Gunnery Staff Course - Pakistan
  • Artillery Battalion Commander Course - China
  • National Defence University Course - China
  • Rules of Engagement Workshop - Australia

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS & OTHERS

Major General Prasanna Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, is an academically qualified senior officer who excelled in the field of counseling. He holds:

  • Master Degree in Counseling and Psychosocial Support from the University of Colombo.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling and Psychological Support from the University of Colombo.
  • Higher National Diploma in Counseling from the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.
  • Diploma in Counselling from the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.

SCHOOL & FAMILY

He is an outstanding alumnus of St Sylvester's College – Kandy, and he is regarded as an outstanding sportsman in the game of school boxing. During his school days, he had represented St Sylvester's College in many national level boxing tournaments and made his Alma Mater proud. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Army Boxing Committee.

He is happily married to Mrs. Nayomi Ranaweera and blessed with two beautiful daughters.