Commandant

Major General W P A D W Nanayakkara, an illustrious military officer who possesses wealth of above 35 years of distinguished service, assumed duties as the 56th successor in the office of the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) with effect from 24 June 2024. Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara, a battle-hardened officer groomed by the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment , exemplified a charismatic role of leadership for safeguarding the solemn decorum of the Sri Lanka Army at every phase of his military career.

The senior officer serves as the Colonel of the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment in addition to his present key career destination in the Sri Lanka Army.

Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara enlisted in the Sri Lanka Army under the intake 31 of the Regular Force in the year 1989. He is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy and the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa. Upon successful completion of the basic military training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was posted to the prestigious Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment; the only elite Rifle Regiment in the Sri Lanka Army spirited under the catchphrase of “Swift and Bold'” and pledged allegiance as a precise combatant corps.

The military stance upheld by the senior officer was exceptionally nurtured under the care and warmth of love of the father: Mr. Quintas Nanayakkara and the mother: Mrs. Sriyakanthi Nanayakkara. In the same way , the entire personality of the Senior Officer was fostered and moulded on the blessings of his beloved Alma Mater: St’ Benedict’s College - Colombo 13, and the successful integration on military errand during his expedition under varied phenomena. During his schooling, he excelled in many sports and extra-curricular activities. He was awarded with college colours for athletics, and held the position of college Athletics Captain in 1987/1988. He was a member of the college basketball team and the rugger team. Moreover, he was an active member of the college drama club.

In the course of his illustrious and long military career, he has served in Command, Staff and Instructional appointments conferred to the respective ranks during his military career. The command appointments include; Platoon Commander and Officer Commanding of the 6th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Second-in-command of the 8th Battalion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Commanding Officer of the 3 Reinforcement Troops Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and the 9th Battalion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. He has also commanded military formations of the 241 and 552 Infantry Brigades. Further, he shouldered key career responsibilities as the Center Commandant of the Military Intelligence Corps, General Officer Command of the 21 Infantry Division and the Commander of the Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni) .

Further, the senior officer has held many staff appointments in the field formations and other military establishments, such as General Staff Officer 3 of the Headquarters Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, General Staff Officer 3 and 2 of the 23 and 53 Divisions respectively, Staff Officer 2 of the Military Secretary Branch Amy Headquarters, Staff Officer 2 (Legal) of the Regimental Headquarters Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Staff Officer I and Colonel Administration of the Adjutant General Branch Army Headquarters and Colonel General Staff of the 62 Infantry Division. The senior officer served in Ethiopia and Sudan under the United Nations banner in the capacity of United Nations military observer. Further, he performed duties as the Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence.

To the credit of his military career, the senior officer has undergone local and foreign courses such as Young Officers' Course in India, Junior Command Course in India, Officers’ Weapon Course in Bangladesh, United Nation Military Observer Course in Malaysia and Infantry Senior Commander Course in China.

Earning the soundness of the military proficiency, the senior officer is graduated from the National Defence University formally known as the Highest National resilience in Republic of Indonesia.

Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara has been adorned with gallantry awards of “Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP)” in recognition of his bravery and eminent service on the battlefield. He is also decorated with “Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV)” for his exceptional, distinguished and loyal service throughout his military career, “Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP)” for meritorious service and “Desha Puthra Sammanaya” for sustaining serious injuries while facing terrorist attacks twice in the battlefield. Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara has also received the East Humanitarian Operation Medal, North Humanitarian Operation Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal, Riviresa Campaign Service Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal, 75th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, Long Service Medal, Seva Abhimani Medal and Service Medal.

Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara is married to Mrs. Neluka Nanayakkara and blessed with three offspring.