Commodore Nalinda Dissanayake began the distinguish naval career in the Sri Lanka Navy on 16th October 1995, joining as an Officer Cadet to the 24thIntake. He completed the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at Indian Naval Ship Venduruthy, Kochi, India, and subsequently specialized in Hydrographic Surveying, completing the Category ‘B’ course at University of Technology, Malaysia and the Category ‘A’ course at the National Institute of Hydrography, Goa, India. His professional development has been further strengthened through several overseas training programmes, including the Hydrographic Training Support Course in the Netherlands and the United Nations Military Observer Course at the Centre for International Peace and Stability, Pakistan.
Commodore Nalinda Dissanayake is graduated from National war college of National Defence University of USA and Defence services command and staff college of Sri Lanka.
Throughout his distinguished 31-year naval career, Commodore Nalinda Dissanayake has held a wide range of significant command, staff and instructor appointments. His key command appointments include: Commanding Officer of the Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Samudura and SLNS Sagara, Commanding Officer of the Fast Gun Boat SLNS Prathapa, Commanding Officer of the Rapid Action Boats Squadron, and the Squadron Commander and Officer In Command of P 441, P 464 and P 424 of the prestigious 4th Fast Attack Flotilla. Among his important staff appointments, he has served as Deputy Director Naval Personnel and Director Naval Training. He has also held several significant instructor appointments at the DSCSC, Batalanda, including Directing Staff, Head of the Training Team and Chief Instructor of the Navy Wing.
Commodore Nalinda Dissanayake was appointed as the Commandant of the Naval & Maritime Academy (NMA) on 14th August 2026. His appointment marks a significant milestone in his long-standing association with the Academy, having served at the NMA on three separate occasions in different capacities. These include two appointments as Divisional Officer at the Officer Training Wing and subsequently as Training Captain.
Commodore Nalinda Dissanayake holds a Master of Science in Defence and Strategic Studies from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University, USA, a Master of Public Administration from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and a Bachelor of Business Management from the Open University of Sri Lanka.
His exemplary service has been recognized through numerous awards, including the ‘Rana Sura Padakkama’ (RSP) trice for bravery and the ‘Uththama Seva Padakkama’ (USP) for distinguished conduct. He has also received eleven other Operations and Service medals and Letter of Commendation from the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, acknowledging his outstanding performance.
Commodore Nalinda Dissanayake is married to Gayani Weerasinhge and blessed with two sons Mihingu (23), Isira(14) and a daughter Jenuli (19).
