COMMANDER SECURITY FORCE WANNI

Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara assumed duties as the Commander, Security Force (Wanni) on 17th July 2023, was born on 9th February 1970 in historical Kelaniya region. His father was Mr. Quintas Nanayakkara and mother was Mrs. Sriyakanthi Nanayakkara . He is a proud product of St’ Benedict’s College - Colombo 13. During his school career, he excelled in many sports and extra curricular activities. He shouldered the responsibilities of the Athletic Captain of the College in 1987/1988 where he was awarded the college colors for athletics. He was a Member of the school basketball team under 13 to 19, and a member of the school rugger team. Moreover, he was an active member of the college drama club. Upon completion of his school education, He enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army Regular Force intake 31 in year 1989. After successful completion of officer cadet training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa as well as graduated and commission from Indian Military Academy from 20th January 1989 to 05th October 1990, he was commissioned to the rank of Second Lieutenant and was posted to 6th Battalion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment on 06 October 1990. During his illustrious and long military career, he has served in Command, Staff and Instructional appointments at various levels, which include all command appointments up to General Officer Commanding; his Command appointments included; Platoon Commander, Officer Commanding, Second in Command of 8th Battalion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Commanding Officer of 9th Battalion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. He has also commanded several formations including 241 and 552 Infantry Brigades. A career in which he shouldered key responsibilities, all of which he has fulfilled to perfection.

Further, he has held many staff appointments in field formations and other military establishments, such as Staff Officer I and Colonel Administration Adjutant General Branch, Army Headquarters, Colonel General Staff - 62 Infantry Division, Centre Commandant, Regimental Centre Military Intelligence Corps. In the capacity of UN military observer, he served in Ethiopia and Sudan under the United Nation banner. Further, He appointed as the Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence and General Officer Commanding of the 21 Infantry Division. Presently, he has an appointment as the Commander, Security Force (Wanni). He has undergone many local courses and had the opportunity to enhance his knowledge through number of overseas courses, such as Young Officers' Course - India, Junior Command Course - India, Officers Weapon Course - Bangladesh, United Nation Military Observer Course - Malaysia. Infantry Senior Commander Course - China and he was graduated from National Defence University formally known as Highest National resilience in Republic of Indonesia.

He is a recipient of the gallantry medal “Rana Sura Padakkama” for his valour in the face of the enemy. Moreover, he is decorated with “Vishishta Sewa Vibushanaya and “Uththama Sewa Padakkama” for his immaculate and unblemished character and “Desha Puthra Sammanaya” for seriously injured twice in the battle field and utmost sacrifice for the Nation.