Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara RWP,USP,ndc,psc assumed duties as the Chief Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy today (July 17).
 His predecessor, Rear Admiral HS Rathnakeerthi USP,ndc,psn retired after reaching 55 years of age. His service in various capacities to the Navy has been significant.
 Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara was educated at Ananda College, Colombo and enlisted as an Officer Cadet in the Sri Lanka Navy on 01st August 1971. After successfully completing his basic Cadet training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, he was commissioned in the rank of A/Sub Lieutenant on 01st August 1975 and promoted to his present rank on 01st January in the year 2001.
Whilst in the Navy,Rear Admiral Weerasekara held numerous appointments as First Squadron Commander of the Fast Attack Craft Flotilla, Commander southern Naval Area, Commander Eastern Naval Area and Commander Northern Naval Area.
Thereafter he was appointed Director Naval Administration and Welfare, Director Naval Projects and Plan, Director General Operations and Deputy Chief of Staff.
He has attended both operational and administrative courses. In India, Rear Admiral Weerasekara specialized in Gunnery and thereafter completed a one year Staff course at the Naval War College, Rhode Island, USA. He has also attended a course on Security Studies at the Asia Pacific Centre,Honolulu, Hawaii and at the National Defence College in New Delhi, India.
His Excellency the President also appointed him as the Director General, Home Guard Force in addition to his present duties.
Rear Admiral Weerasekara has been the recipient of the Ranawickrama gallantry medal (RWP), the Uttama Seva Medal (USP), the North and East Operational Medal and the “Riviresa” Campaign Service medal.
Rear Admiral Weerasekara is married to Hemanthi Weerasekara and is a father of two children.

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