Deputy Commandant

Major General B M R J Bandara assumed duties as the 34th successor in the office of the Deputy Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, with effect from 11 April 2025 after being elevated to the rank of Major General.

The senior officer is a proud product of SaranathVidyalaya, Kuliyapitiya and excelled in sports and other extra-curricular activities during his schooling. Performing as a leader ofathletics teams, Sergeant of the school cadet platoon, and Senior Head Prefect, he demonstrated a remarkable leadership and commitment that forecasted a future front-runner.

Major General Janith Bandara enlisted in the Volunteer Force of the Sri Lanka Army on 25 January 1990 under the Volunteer Cadet Intake 12.Upon successful completion of the basic military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was posted to the 2 (Volunteer) Vijayabahu Infantry Regimenton 05.08.1990.

The senior officer take pride in being a part of Special Forces (SF), which is an elite force of deterrence for the defence of the nation, showcasing his leadership of noteworthy following the SpecialTraining Course at the Special Forces Training School in Maduruoya.

In the course of 34 years of military service, he held Command, Instructional and Staff appointments in operational and non-operational areas. Showcasing exceptional leadership, he extended a precise duty in the appointments of Platoon Commander ofthe 2nd Battalion (Volunteer) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and 1 Special Forces,Motor Transport Officer, Officer Command (Administration) &Officer Command (Support Company) of 2 Special Forcesand Officer Command ( Administration) of3 Special Forces.

The senior officer served as a Second-in-command of 21 Sri Lanka National Guard in Vavuniya, Commanding Officer of 16thBattalion(Volunteer ) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment in Jaffna, Commanding Officer & Commandant of the Volunteer Force Training School in Diyatalawa, Chief Coordinator Civil Affairs Officer of the Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni),Commandant of the Commissioner General Rehabilitation in Kandakadu and Senapura, Brigadier Coordinating Officer (Volunteer) of the Security Forces Headquarters (Jaffna) and Brigadier (Administration)& Inspector of Training of the Headquarters Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force.

To the credit of his military career, the senior officer has followed,Motor Transport Course in Gannoruwa, Accounts Course at the Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps Training School,Unit Administrative Course in Panagoda, Basic Parachute Course at the Commando Training School in Ganemulla, Balance Style Course, English Course at the Volunteer Force Training School in Diyatalawa, and Intelligence Course at the Security Forces Headquarters (Kilinochchi).

In addition, he is professionally well versed in various fields of studieswith a career marked by a strong commitment to quality enhancement. Notably, he has completedDiploma in English at the Rajarata University, Defence Media and Communication Course at the Sri Pali Campus/University of Colombo, Computer Course at the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM), Basic and Advanced National Diploma in Human Resource Management at the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM), Drug Abuse and Management Course at the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board , Diploma in Work Place Safety and Health at the University of Alison, Civil Coordination and Advanced Civil Coordination Course, Master of Science&the Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Relations &Human Resource Management at the University of Colomboand Master of Arts in Ayurvedic and Buddhist Counseling and the Post Graduate Diploma in the same stream at the University of Kelaniya.

Strengthening military career through foreign courses that enhance training and knowledge, the senior officer completed Junior Command Course in India, Commando Course (Ghatak) at the Commando Training School in India, andYoung Officers’ Course in India.

The senior officer has been conferred with Deshabandhu which is a higher national honour awarded “For meritorious service”, and he holds the esteemed position of Justice of the Peace, empowered to serve throughout the island.

In honour of his service rendered to the Sri Lanka Army, he has been recognized with service medals. He is married to Mrs. Janitha Bandara and blessed with two offspring.