Commodore DMDC Bandara began his naval career in the Sri Lanka Navy on 15^th May 1996, joining as an Officer Cadet to the 25^th Intake. Throughout his extensive 29-year naval career, he has held a diverse array of important Staff and Command appointments. Some of the key appointments he held include: Commanding Officer and Officer-in-Command of various naval ships and craft, Director of Naval Personnel, Director of Naval Weapons, Deputy Director of Naval Personnel, Sri Lanka Navy Media Spokesperson, Naval Armament Officer, and Deputy Director of Operations/ Training of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

Furthermore, he completed four tenures in different capacities at the Naval and Maritime Academy, including Divisional Officer at the Officer Training Wing, Officer in Command of the Gunnery School, Officer in Command of the Officer Training Wing, Deputy Training Captain & Junior Naval Command Course Coordinator, and Training Captain. 

Commodore Dinesh Bandara has followed the US Naval Command Course, obtaining a Diploma in Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College (USA), and a Diploma in Defense Studies from the PLAN Command and Staff College (China), earning the prestigious ‘NWC’ and ‘psc’ respectively.

Commodore Dinesh Bandara completed his Sub Lieutenant Technical course in Sri Lanka and further specialized in Naval Gunnery and Missiles at the Gunnery School of the Indian Navy (India). His other international training includes the Surface Warfare Officer Course (SWOC) at the US Naval Surface Warfare Officers School (USA), the International Maritime Officers Course (IMOC) at the US Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown (USA), the Comprehensive Maritime Security Course (CMSC) at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (USA), the International Maritime Law Course at the International Institute of Humanitarian Law (Italy), and the Exclusive Economic Zone Protection Officer Course (EEZPOC) at HMS Collingwood (UK) of the Royal Navy.

His exemplary service has been recognized through numerous awards, including the ‘Rana Sura Padakkama’ (RSP) for bravery and the ‘Uththama Seva Padakkama’ (USP) for distinguished conduct. He has also received seven other Operations and Service medals and three Letters of Commendation (LOC) from the Commanders of the Sri Lanka Navy, acknowledging his outstanding performance.

Commodore Dinesh Bandara is married to Mrs. Kaushalya Harshani, and they are blessed with two sons, Chirana and Chinula.