Colombo: The Hon. President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, appointed Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, effective from 1 July 2026.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, formally handed over the letter of appointment to Rear Admiral Tissera at the Navy Headquarters on 7 July, extending his best wishes.
Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera is an alumnus of St. Peter’s College, Colombo. He began his naval career in the Executive branch of the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 10th Intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy in 1992. Following his basic training, he was commissioned as an Acting Sub Lieutenant in 1994 and completed his Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy in 1999. He specialized in Navigation with the Indian Navy in 2002.
The officer furthered his education w
ith a Naval Command and Staff Course in China and a National Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College, Sri Lanka. He also completed a Master of Maritime Policy Degree Programme at the University of Wollongong, Australia. Rising through the ranks, he was promoted to Rear Admiral in January 2024.
Rear Admiral Tissera has held key positions within the Sri Lanka Navy, commanding Fast Attack Craft, ships, and establishments. His roles included Commanding Officer of the Special Boat Squadron, Director Naval Personnel, Director General Personnel, and Commander Eastern Naval Area. Before becoming Chief of Staff, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Outside his naval responsibilities, Rear Admiral Tissera has been active in sports, representing the Navy in rugby, basketball, and athletics. His service during humanitarian operations was marked by gallantry, earning him the Rana Sura Padakkama nine times for battlefield bravery. He also received the Uttama Seva Pada
kkama for his service, character, and dedication.