Principal Staff Officer

Brigadier Mahen Salwatura enlisted in the Regular Force of Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet under the Intake PMA – 3 on 02 May 1991. Upon successful completion of the basic military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy - Diyatalawa and Pakistan Military Academy, the Senior Officer was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 14 April 1992 and was posted to the 5th Battalion of Gemunu Watch later was amalgamated with the 7th Battalion of Gemunu Watch which is an elite Infantry Regiment heralding the glory and honour of Highlanders.

The Senior Officer is a proud product of Richmond College, Galle and placed his Alma Mater gleamed in pinnacle emerging as an outstanding military officer reaching a remarkable destination in the military career.

During his 32 years of military service, he has the distinction of tenanting challenging operational, command, staff and instructional appointments in varied terrain.

His command appointments include Platoon Commander of the 7th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch, Officer Commanding and Second in Command of 7th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch , Commanding Officer of 12th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch, Sector Command of Sector 9 of 14 Infantry Division, Overall Sector Command of Headquarters 14 Division ( VP Commander , Kolonnawa Oil Refinery), Deputy Commandant of Army School of Logistics, Trincomalee, Commander of 521 Infantry Brigade, Commander of 142 Infantry Brigade and Center Commandant of Regimental Centre of Sri Lanka Medical Corps.

Further, he served in the staff appointments of General Staff Officer 111 of 513 Brigade, General Staff Officer 11 of 55 Division, General Staff Officer 1 (Coordination) of Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni), Staff Officer 1 of Officer Cadet Enlistment Wing of Directorate of Personnel Administration, and General Staff Officer 1 (Training and Doctrine) of Office of Chief of Defence Staff.

Showcasing the assignments of instructor capacity, he received the opportunity to perform as an instructor of Sri Lanka Military Academy and Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy.

To the credit of his career enhancement, he attended in local and foreign courses include Unit Administration Course - Headquarters Logistics Command, United Nations Peace Keeping Operations Course in Kukuleganga, United Nations Peace Keeping.

Operations Course in Haitti, Young Officers’ Course in India, and Junior Command Course in India.

Further, he has integrated in United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei in the course of military service of two years.

The senior officer has been adorned with gallantry awards of Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) for the brave conduct at the face of the enemy, Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his distinguished conduct in the face of the enemy and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for valuable service and devotion to duty marked by exceptional ability, merit and exemplary conduct provided not less than 15 years continuous and uninterrupted service and possess and unblemished record of moral and military conduct. Further, he is a recipient of “Son of the Country Award": Desha Putra Sammanaya for being wounded classified as being 'moderately severe' in action against the enemy.

Brigadier Mahen Salwatura is married to Mrs. Pamodika Harshani Jayalath Arachchi and blessed with a daughter and two sons.