Major General JSBW Pallekumbura RWP RSP ndu psc
Commander Security Forces (East)
Major General Janaka Pallekumbura, RWP RSP ndu psc, is the proud son of Mr. Chandrarathne Bandara Wikramasinghe Pallekumbura and Mrs. Sandya Pallekumbura. He was born in Badulla and is a distinguished alumnus of St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy, where he began building the foundation for a remarkable career in military service.
His journey in the Sri Lanka Army commenced on 3 November 1990 when he enlisted in the Regular Force. He joined Intake 35B at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy (KDA) and, upon completion of basic military training at KDA and the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) in Diyatalawa, he was commissioned on 14 November 1992. He was subsequently posted to the Gajaba Regiment.
Throughout his illustrious military career, Major General Janaka Pallekumbura has held numerous key command, staff, and instructional appointments, demonstrating outstanding leadership and operational expertise. He has actively participated in multiple military operations across the country, gaining extensive experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
He notably served as the Commanding Officer of the 14th Battalion, Gajaba Regiment, and later became the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 58 Infantry Division. Currently, he holds the positions of:
- Commander, Security Forces (East)
- Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka National Guard
- President, Sri Lanka Army Boxing Association
Key Command Appointments:
- Platoon Commander – 3rd Battalion, Gajaba Regiment
- Officer Commanding – 3rd Battalion, Gajaba Regiment
- Second-in-Command – 14th Battalion, Gajaba Regiment
- Commanding Officer – 14th Battalion, Gajaba Regiment
- Commander – 231 Infantry Brigade
- Commander – 122 Infantry Brigade
- General Officer Commanding – 12 Infantry Division
- General Officer Commanding – 58 Infantry Division
Instructor Appointments:
- Chief Instructor, Training Wing – Regimental Centre, Gajaba Regiment
Staff Appointments:
- Adjutant – 3rd Battalion, Gajaba Regiment
- General Staff Officer II (Operations & Training) – Regimental Centre, Gajaba Regiment
- General Staff Officer II – Area Headquarters (WLO)
- General Staff Officer II – 58 Infantry Division
- Coordinating Officer – UD Office, Kandy
- General Staff Officer I (Operations) – 65 Infantry Division
- General Staff Officer I (Operations) – Security Forces Headquarters (Central)
- Colonel General Staff – 57 Infantry Division
- Brigadier General Staff – Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni)
- Chief of Staff – Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS)
Training and Courses:
- Officer Cadet Training – Kothalawala Defense Academy (KDA Intake 8)
- Officer Cadet Course – Sri Lanka Military Academy (Intake 35B)
- Parachuting Course – Commando Training School, Ganemulla
- Lay Counseling Course – Army Headquarters
- Defense Services Command and Staff Course – DSCSC, Batalanda (Course No. 08)
Overseas Courses:
Operations Participated:
- Operation Walampuri
- Operation Yaldevi
- Operation Riviresa
- Operation Jayasikuru
- Operation Divibala
- Operation Ranagosa
- Operation Kinihira
- Operation Agnikeela
- Humanitarian Operations
Honors and Awards:
In recognition of his gallantry, service, and dedication, Major General Janaka Pallekumbura has been decorated with the following medals:
- Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP)
- Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP)
- Desha Putra Sammanaya
- East Humanitarian Operation Medal
- North Humanitarian Operation Medal
- Purna Bhumi Padakkama
- North and East Operations Medal
- Riviresa Campaign Service Medal
- Independence Anniversary Medals (including the 50th and 75th)
- Long Service Medal
- Sewabhimani Medal
Personal Life:
Major General Janaka Pallekumbura is married to Mrs. Kumari Warnakula, and they are blessed with one daughter and two sons.
