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BIOGRAPHY

Major General KVNP Premaratne RSP USP psc
Genaral Officer Commanding
23 Infantry Division

Major General KVNP Premaratne RSP USP psc is the General Officer Commanding of the 23 Infantry Division. He was born in Kandy and is a proud product of St. Servatius’ College, Matara. He began his military journey by joining the Sri Lanka Army on 14 July 1990 to the Intake 34 at the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa. Upon successfully completing his basic military training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant to the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery on 6 June 1992.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Major General Nilantha Premaratne has held various field appointments within the Regiment, showcasing his dedication and leadership skills. Notably, he has been recognized for his bravery and exceptional service. He was awarded the Rana Sura Padakkama, a distinguished gallantry medal presented for acts of bravery in active service in the field, during his tenure as a Junior Officer.

Furthermore, in recognition of his unblemished and outstanding service over 33 years of military service, Major General Premaratne was honored with the Uttama Seva Padakkama.

Major General Nilantha Premaratne is a recognized Senior Officer in the Army who has served in various command, Staff and Instructor appointments during his illustrious military career:

  • Battery Commander - 6 Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery
  • Second in Command - 16th Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery
  • Commanding Officer - 16th Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery
  • Brigade Major - 211 Infantry Brigade
  • Officer Instructor - Sri Lanka Military Academy
  • Directing Staff Officer Study Center
  • Military Observer in support of the United Nation Mission in Western Sahara(2008 -2009) General Staff Officer 1 (Operations) - Directorate of Operation
  • Commanding Officer of the Officer Cadet Wing - Sri Lanka Military Academy
  • Commander - 551 Infantry Brigade
  • Military Assistant - Commander of the Army (2011-2013)
  • Secretary to the Chief of Defense Staff (2013-2014)
  • Chief Instructor - Sri Lanka Military Academy
  • Director - Directorate of Media
  • Brigadier General Staff - Security Force Headquarters (West)
  • In his long tour of duty, he has followed number of training courses in both local and overseas are as follows:

  • Army Command and Staff Course - Army Command and Staff College sapugaskanda
  • Artillery Young Officer’s Course - India
  • Advance Gunnery Course - Pakistan
  • Counter-Terrorism Perceptions and Strategies Course - United States of America
  • Further, he was able to achieve following academic qualification during his military career:

  • Master of Arts degree in security studies (Counterterrorism: Policy & Strategies) from the Naval Postgraduate School, California USA,
  • Master’s degree in Defense Studies from the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka
  • He is the author of the book titled “The Impact of Changing External Conditions on Counter Insurgency: The Sri Lankan Experience”