Colonel G A I S Nanayakkara AATO
Colonel G A I S Nanayakkara AATO was born on 14th June 1975 is a distinguished alumnus of Kingston college – Kandy. He commenced his career in the regular force of the Sri Lanka Army on 22th January 1997, as an officer cadet. Following the successful completion of basic military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, after successfully completing his basic military training at the Military Academy (Pakistan), he was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 1st December 1997 and was enlisted into the Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He rendered active in operational duties for a period of over four years, making a significant contribution in operational areas on 01st September 2002, he was transferred to the Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Crops, where he held and performed numerous responsible appointments.
Having efficiently discharged his duties across all operational areas of the island he can be respectfully and honorably recognized as a mature and highly experienced senior officer.
As a senior commander and a competent staff officer. He has demonstrated his professional competencies to an very high standard. among the many responsible appointments held by him within the Sri Lanka Army a few are mentioned below.
He has served with distinction as the executive officer at the central ordnance deport (Ragama) and thereafter as the second in command of the 4th Regiment Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Crops.
He was subsequently appointed as the project officer of the regional ordnance depot complex, (Poonani) where he played a pivotal role in the effective management and development of the facility.
He has also rendered exemplary service as the second in command of the 3rd regiment Sri Lanka army Ordnance Crops and has been entrusted with the duties of acting commanding officer as well as commanding officer discharging these responsibilities with commendable leadership and professionalism. Furthermore, he has served as staff officer grade 1(logistics) and staff officer grade 1 (administrative) at the Regimental headquarters, where his sound judgment and administrative acumen greatly contributed to operational efficiency.
In recognition of his proven leadership and technical expertise, he was appointed as the deputy director of the Army Ordnance Industry and subsequently performed the duties of acting director, Sri Lanka army Ordnance, demonstrating exceptional competence at the strategic level.
Throughout his service in both command and staff appointments within the Sri Lanka Army he has consistently displayed outstanding professional excellence, dedication and maturity, thereby earning the respect and admiration of his superiors, peers and subordinates a like.
Among these some of the ERE appointment held by him include service as staff officer grade 1 (logistics)at the security forces headquarters, staff officer grade 1(logistics)at the security forces headquarters- Wanni and colonel (administrative/logistics)of the 1st division. the duties and responsibilities pertaining to these appointments were discharged with distinction bringing great credit to the Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps.
Throughout his illustrious military career he has enhanced his professional competence by successfully following numerous local and foreign courses as well as participating in a senior officer enriched with extensive knowledge and experience.
Among the local courses successfully completed by him are:
Young officers course - Maduru oya
Junior staff course - Diyatalawa
Senior staff course - Buttala
In addition he has successfully completed several foreign courses including:
Basic ordnance management Officers course - India
Advanced Materials Management course - India
Senior Management Officers Course - India
It is evident that the knowledge, expertise, and exposure gained through these overseas training programs have been consistently and selflessly applied towards the advancement, efficiency and progress of the Sri Lanka Army.
During the period of armed conflict ,he rendered selfless and devoted service ,making an active and courageous contribution to operational duties there by providing an invaluable service not only to the Sri Lanka army but also to the entire nation of Sri Lanka. His direct involvement in military operations conducted in defense of the unity ,sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment and dedication.
In recognition of his distinguished service during his illustrious military career he has been awarded the following medals and decorations
Eastern humanitarian operations medal
Northern humanitarian operation medal
Poorna Bhumi medal
North and east operations medal
50th independence anniversary commemorative medal
75th independence anniversary commemorative medal
Sri Lanka Army 50th golden jubilee commemorative medal
Sewabhimani medal
Long service medal
These honors stand as enduring recognition of his bravery ,loyalty, and exemplary service rendered to Sri Lanka army and the nation.
