ENHANCING MARITIME OPERATIONAL READINESS
THROUGH ENERGY EFFICENCY:
ADDRESSING CONTEMPORARY STRATEGIC CHALLENGES
"SMARTER COURSES, GREENER HORIZONS"
BIOGRAPHY OF PAPER PRESENTERS
Mission Design Trade-Offs For Future Maritime Operations: Balancing Presence, Deterrence, and Budgets
Lieutenant Commander (N) MMW Arachchi
BSc (Naval & Maritime Studies), PG Dip (Nautical Science)
Lieutenant Commander Minura Arachchi is a proud product of Mahinda College, Galle. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 19th June 2012 to the 52nd Cadet Entry Intake. He successfully completed his Sub Lieutenant technical course at Naval & Maritime Academy in 2016.Upon completion of his basic naval training, He was graduated with Bachelor of Science in Naval & Maritime Studies with second class lower division at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in the year 2017.
Lieutenant Commander Minura Arachchi specialised in navigation and received his Long Specialisation from the renowned Navigation and Direction School in Kochi, India. Further, he obtained a post graduate diploma in Nautical Science and Tactical Operation with first class distinction from the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).
During his 14 years of unblemished service, he has held various appointments in different capacities. Notably, Lieutenant Commander Minura Arachchi has served as an instructor at the Officer Training Wing for more than four years, demonstrating his enthusiasm for grooming future officers. He has also served on other ships and craft, including the SLNS Hansaya, SLNS Prathapa, P 490, SLNS Ranavijaya, SLNS Sagara, and SLNS Samudura. In addition, he also served as Flag Lieutenant to Rear Admiral NPS Attygalle and administrative officer at SLNS Buwaneka.
In recognition of his service to the Sri Lanka Navy, he was awarded medals such as Sewa Padakkama, Sewabhimani Padakkama, 75th Independence Anniversary Commemoration and 75th Navy Anniversary Commemorative. Lieutenant Commander Minura Arachchi continues to serve the Sri Lanka Navy with professionalism, devotion and dedication, particularly in training, giving his expertise, operational experience and leadership to the progress of the service. Lieutenant Commander Minura Arachchi happily married to Mrs. Madushika and blessed with daughter Meily.
From Dialogue to Deck: Strengthening Regional Cooperation Frameworks for Sustainable Naval Operations in the Indian Ocean
Lieutenant Commander (G) HMSCB Rajapaksha
MHRM, BSc (NMS), PG Dip (NG & MW), E-Dip in HR
Lieutenant Commander Sasitha Rajapaksha is a proud alumnus of D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 52nd Intake on 19th June 2012 and underwent his basic naval training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. Upon successful completion of his basic naval training, he was commissioned into the Executive Branch. He was graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Naval and Maritime Studies from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, and has since completed a Diploma in Human Rights and a Master of Human Resource Management, both from the University of Colombo.
Lieutenant Commander Sasitha Rajapaksha specialised in Gunnery and Missile Warfare and received his Long Gunnery Specialisation from INS Dronacharya, India, securing the second-highest position in the Order of Merit. Further, he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Naval Gunnery and Missile Warfare from the Cochin University of Science and Technology, and subsequently completed the 39th Junior Naval Staff Course. During his service with the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS), he also obtained professional qualifications in Swift Water Search and Rescue, Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue, and Rope Rescue, and is a qualified Life Saving Bronze Medallion holder and Life Saving Instructor accredited by the Sri Lanka Life Saving Association.
During his service, he has held various appointments in different capacities. Notably, Lieutenant Commander Sasitha Rajapaksha is currently serving as the Weapon Officer of the Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Vijayabahu. He has also served as Second in Command of P480, Acting Commander of RABS Task Team 2 and Task Team 4, Training Officer at RABS Headquarters, and Executive Officer of RABS, in addition to serving as the RABS Representative to the Disaster Response Unit (DRU).
In recognition of his professional competence and operational skills, he secured First Place in the Order of Merit during the RABS Basic Qualification Course and was honoured with the Best Overall Trainee Award and the Best Boat Handler Award. He further secured First Place in the Sri Lanka Navy Public Speaking Competition – 2024. Lieutenant Commander Sasitha Rajapaksha continues to serve the Sri Lanka Navy with professionalism, devotion and dedication, particularly in gunnery, disaster response and rescue operations, giving his expertise, operational experience and leadership to the progress of the service. Lieutenant Commander Sasitha Rajapaksha is happily married to Mrs. Poornima Witharana and blessed with five-year-old son Vinuk Rajapaksha.
Regional Cooperation Frameworks for Sustainable Naval Operations Enhancing Maritime Security, Energy Efficiency and Collective Readiness in the Indian Ocean Region
Lieutenant Commander (N) KDSRP Karannagoda
BSc ( Naval and Maritime Studies)
Lieutenant Commander Sandun Karannagoda joined the Sri Lanka Navy in 2013 and successfully completed his Sub Lieutenant Technical Course in India. Upon completion of his basic naval training, he was graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Naval and Maritime Studies.
Lieutenant Commander Sandun Karannagoda specialised in navigation and received his Long Navigation Specialisation from India. He is internationally trained in India and Japan, having completed the Helicopter Control Course and the Search & Rescue Course conducted by the Indian Coast Guard, as well as the Oil Spill Response Basic and Intermediate courses from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Oil Spill Response Instructor Level I & II from the Japan Coast Guard, and the IMO Level I Oil Spill Response course conducted by the MDPC and Japan Coast Guard.
During his 13 years of commissioned service, he has held various appointments in different capacities. Notably, Lieutenant Commander Sandun Karannagoda has served as Navigating Officer onboard SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Parakramabahu, and has served onboard 12 ships and craft in total. He has planned and executed coastal and ocean passages, led bridge teams and navigational safety, and conducted maritime security and search and rescue operations.
In recognition of his dedicated service, Lieutenant Commander Sandun Karannagoda was commended for his role in a successful high-seas narcotics apprehension operation. He continues to serve the Sri Lanka Navy with professionalism, devotion and dedication, particularly in navigation, maritime security and disaster response, giving his expertise, operational experience and leadership to the progress of the service.
A Networked Coastal Observation and Fuel-Efficient Small Boat Operating Concept as a Long-Term Doctrinal Solution for Energy-Efficient Maritime Security
Lieutenant Commander (N) HV Kothalawala
BSc ( Naval and Maritime Studies)
Lieutenant Commander Harshana Kothalawala is a proud product of Kandy Model School, Katugasthota and Kingswood College, Kandy. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 16th January 2015 as an Officer Cadet to the 55th Intake and was commissioned in 2017, having been awarded the highest aggregate in Nautical Subjects. He followed his Sub Lieutenant Technical Course in India in 2018. Upon successful completion of his academic and military training, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval and Maritime Studies with Second Upper Distinction.
Lieutenant Commander Harshana Kothalawala specialised in navigation and received his training from the renowned Navigation and Direction School at INS Vendurthy, Kochi, India. He is currently following the Junior Naval Staff Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee.
During his years of dedicated service, he has held various appointments in different capacities, acquiring extensive operational and leadership experience through a range of sea and shore appointments. Notably, Lieutenant Commander Harshana Kothalawala has served as Navigation Officer onboard SLNS Sayurala and as an Instructor at the Officer Training Wing of the Naval and Maritime Academy, demonstrating his enthusiasm for grooming future officers. He has also served as Second in Command of P460 and as an additional officer onboard Offshore Patrol Vessels. In addition, he served as Flag Lieutenant to Retired Rear Admiral KAPSK Kariyapperuma.
Lieutenant Commander Harshana Kothalawala continues to serve the Sri Lanka Navy with professionalism, devotion and dedication, particularly in navigation and training, giving his expertise, operational experience and leadership to the progress of the service. Lieutenant Commander Harshana Kothalawala is happily married to Capt Iresha Subharathna, who serves in the Sri Lanka Army Service Corps, and they are blessed with a two-year-old son, Thesath.
Employment of Locally Developed Unmanned Surface Vessels for Energy-Smart Naval Operations
Lieutenant Commander HGDN Tharaka
BSc (Management and Technical Sciences)
Lieutenant Commander Tharaka is a proud alumnus of Gamini National School, Nuwara Eliya. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 16th September 2015 as an Officer Cadet of the 33rd Intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). He successfully completed his Officer Basic Training Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. Upon successful completion of his academic and military training, he was graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Technical Sciences from KDU in 2020.
Lieutenant Commander Tharaka successfully completed the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, Kochi, India in 2021. Further enhancing his professional competencies, he completed the Boarding Course for Fleet Units at SLN Dockyard in 2019 and the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Course conducted for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) at SBS Headquarters in 2020. He is currently following the Junior Naval Staff Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee.
Throughout his naval career, he has held various appointments in different capacities. Notably, Lieutenant Commander Tharaka has served as Administrative Officer of SLNS Sagara, SLNS Walagamba, and SLNS Rathnadeepa. In 2023, he served as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Officer – East, overseeing and coordinating maritime and port security measures in the Eastern Naval Area. He has also served as Second-in-Command of Fast Attack Craft P423 and Flag Lieutenant to Rear Admiral P.N. Withanage. His command appointments include Officer-in-Command of Fast Attack Craft P401, P402, and P460, where he demonstrated leadership, operational proficiency and dedication to service.
In recognition of his dedicated service to the nation and the Sri Lanka Navy, he was awarded medals such as Sewa Padakkama, Sewabhimani Padakkama, 75th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal and 75th Navy Anniversary Commemorative Medal. Lieutenant Commander Halpe Gamage Dilanka Nayana Tharaka continues to serve the Sri Lanka Navy with professionalism, commitment and dedication, giving his operational experience, administrative expertise and leadership to the advancement of the Sri Lanka Navy and its mission of safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
Lieutenant Commander (L) PA Dalugama
BSc Engineering (Hons) in Mechatronic Engineering (KDU), MBA (UOB)
Lieutenant Commander Prabhashwara Dalugama is a proud alumnus of Ananda College, Colombo. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 16th September 2015 as an Officer Cadet of the 33rd Intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and was awarded the Best Technical Officer of the Intake. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronic Engineering from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bedfordshire, providing him with a multidisciplinary foundation in engineering, automation, control, management and business.
Lieutenant Commander Prabhashwara Dalugama specialised as an Electrical and Electronic Engineering officer and received his specialisation training from the renowned Electrical & Electronic Engineering course at INS Valsura, India. He is currently following the Junior Naval Staff Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee.
Throughout his naval career, he has held a range of sea and shore appointments in different capacities. Notably, Lieutenant Commander Prabhashwara Dalugama has served as Electrical & Electronic Engineer onboard SLNS Sayurala, as Electrical & Electronic Engineer (Fleet & Weapon) and Flag Lieutenant to the Director General Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the Western Naval Area, as Electrical & Electronic Engineer (Fast Attack Crafts) and Electrical & Electronic Engineer (New Design) at the Eastern Naval Area, and as Electrical & Electronic Engineer (Special Projects) and Instructor for Recruit Training at the North Central Naval Area. These appointments have provided him with wide experience across operational engineering, technical support, system development, special projects and training.
Lieutenant Commander Prabhashwara Dalugama continues to serve the Sri Lanka Navy with professionalism, devotion and dedication, particularly in engineering and training, giving his expertise, operational experience and leadership to the progress of the service. His research and professional interests include autonomous maritime systems, advanced control systems, industrial automation, and data-driven models for training and decision-making, having already implemented a multi-factor analytical training model at SLNS Shiksha to uplift training standards in the Sri Lanka Navy.
Shielding the Shoreline: A Green, Agile Small Boat Led, Inter Agency Framework against Maritime Narcotics Operations in Sri Lanka
Lieutenant DDDC Weerasinghe
BSc ( Naval and Maritime Studies)
Lieutenant Dinesh Weerasinghe is a proud product of Thalduwa Buddhist College, Avissawella. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 6th January 2017 as an Officer Cadet to the 59th Intake at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee, where he was awarded the Best Sportsman trophy during his cadet training. He secured Second Place in Overall Merit in the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at NMA in 2024. Upon successful completion of his naval and academic studies, he was graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval and Maritime Studies with First Class from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
Lieutenant Dinesh Weerasinghe has excelled in both academic and competitive naval pursuits, securing Second Place in the Rules of the Road (ROR) Competition in 2023 and Second Place in the prestigious Admiral Clancy Fernando Essay Competition in 2024. An accomplished athlete, he represents the Sri Lanka Navy in squash.
During his service, he has held various appointments in different capacities, gaining extensive operational, administrative and command experience. Notably, Lieutenant Dinesh Weerasinghe has served as Administrative Officer aboard SLNS Sayurala and the Fast Gun Boat SLNS Ranadheera, and as Second-in-Command of CG 403 and CG 407. He also gained operational command experience as the Boat Officer at the Command Harbour Defence Unit (East). In addition, he served as Flag Lieutenant to Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph.
In recognition of his service to the Sri Lanka Navy, he was awarded medals such as Sewa Padakkama, Sewabhimani Padakkama, 75th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal and 75th Navy Anniversary Commemorative Medal. Lieutenant Dinesh Weerasinghe continues to serve the Sri Lanka Navy with professionalism, commitment and distinction, giving his expertise, operational experience and leadership to the progress of the service. Lieutenant Dinesh Weerasinghe is happily married to Mrs. Madumali Abeywickrama and blessed with a son.
Flight Lieutenant DT Hulangamuwa
BSc (Management and Technical Sciences)
Flight Lieutenant Darshana Hulangamuwa is a proud alumnus of Govt. Science College, Matale. He joined the Sri Lanka Air Force on 14th July 2017 as an Officer Cadet of the 35th Intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). He successfully completed his Officer Basic Training Course at Diyathalawa Combat Training School. Upon successful completion of his academic and military training, he was graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Technical Sciences from KDU in 2021.
Flight Lieutenant Hulangamuwa specialised as an operational pilot and completed his basic flying training at China Bay and advanced flying training at No. 8 Tactical Transport Squadron, Rathmalana. He is currently following the Junior Naval Staff Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee.
During his service, he has held various appointments in different capacities, gaining extensive operational and leadership experience through a range of appointments in the Sri Lanka Air Force. Notably, Flight Lieutenant Hulangamuwa is presently serving as an Operational Qualified Pilot in No. 8 Tactical Transport Squadron.
In recognition of his dedicated service to the nation and the Sri Lanka Air Force, he was awarded medals such as Sewa Padakkama, Sewabhimani Padakkama, 75th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal and 75th Air Force Anniversary Commemorative Medal. Flight Lieutenant Darshana Hulangamuwa continues to serve the Sri Lanka Air Force with professionalism, commitment and dedication, giving his operational experience, administrative expertise and leadership to the advancement of the Sri Lanka Air Force and its mission of safeguarding the nation.
Enhancing Maritime Operational Readiness through Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Naval Operations in the Indian Ocean Region
Lieutenant IPRS Ranasinghe
BSc (Naval Science)
Lieutenant Shanuka Ranasinghe joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 11th May 2018 as an Officer Cadet of the 61st Intake. He successfully completed the Sub Lieutenant Technical Executive Course at INS Venduruthy, India. Upon successful completion of his naval and academic training, he was graduated with a Bachelor of Naval Science from the Naval & Maritime Academy, affiliated with General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU).
Lieutenant Ranasinghe was a Student Officer of the 38th Junior Naval Staff Course (JNSC), where he further developed his knowledge of naval operations, leadership and staff duties. He is currently furthering his academic and professional development by following a Postgraduate Diploma in Defence Management (PGD Dip in Def Mgt).
During his naval career, he has held various appointments in different capacities. Notably, Lieutenant Shanuka Ranasinghe is currently serving as the Executive Officer of SLNS Abeetha II, a Fast Gun Boat (FGB) of the Sri Lanka Navy. He has also served onboard other ships and craft as well as at establishments of the Sri Lanka Navy, gaining valuable exposure to naval operations, shipboard duties, leadership and the practical challenges of maritime service.
In recognition of his outstanding performance and professional excellence during the Sub Lieutenant Executive Technical Course, he was awarded the 10th Branch Annual Awards for Professional Excellence – 2026, organized by the Nautical Institute Sri Lanka. Lieutenant Shanuka Ranasinghe continues to serve the Sri Lanka Navy with professionalism, devotion and dedication, giving his operational experience, professional training and leadership to the progress of the service.
