Navy Commander promoted to the Rank of Admiral

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has been pleased to promote Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda to the rank of Admiral in appreciation of his contributions to win the battle against LTTE Terrorism. On assuming the Command, Admiral Karannagoda fast-tracked the Navy's preparation to meet Enemy's asymmetrical threats at sea and to deter their land activities. As a result, the Navy's premier fighting unit, the 04th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla was equipped with better weaponry and land troops were trained in conducting special operations. The investment in technology and training yielded results, with the Navy gradually denying the use of sea at enemy's will. Having spear-headed the Intelligence Network, under his command the Naval Task Force was able to go after Enemy's floating arms warehouses well into the high seas to cripple the entire logistics network the enemy had developed over the years. The result of this action done was sufficient to ensure a very successful ground campaign at later stage.

Sri Lanka Navy accorded a 48-member Guard of Honour to newly-promoted Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda upon his arrival at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo on the 19th of May 2009. In the annals of its illustrious history spanning well over 59 years, Admiral Karannagoda has become the first ever Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy to hold the prestigious four star rank while in the active Naval service. Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda assumed Command of the Sri Lanka Navy on the 1st of September 2005. In the 59-year history of the Sri Lanka Navy, he is the only officer to be considered to the highest seat of the Commander of the Navy straight from a Naval Area Command.

He has achieved many firsts in his distinguished, decorative and unblemished Naval Career. Incidentally, he is the first Naval Officer to be conferred with two Masters Degrees. He possesses Masters in Business Administration as well as in Defence Studies. He is also a member of the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Nautical Institute of the United Kingdom.

He has commanded the four Operational Naval Commands on seven occasions - Northern, Eastern and Western Commands twice each and North Central once, for a total period spanning six years. He was the first ever Director General (Operations) at Naval Headquarters. Prior to that, he served as Director Naval Operations, Director Naval Projects and Plans as well as Director Naval Personnel and Training.

Admiral Karannagoda is a recipient of the Rana Sura Padakkama for gallantry, Among the other medals awarded to him are Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya, Uttama Seva Padakkama, Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Service Medal, Sri Lanka Navy 50th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Service Long Service Medal, President's Inauguration Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, North and East Operation Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama and Riviresa Campaign Service Medal.