TRINCO DIALOGUE MARITIME SYMPOSIUM 2025
"Maritime Security and Geopolitical Shifts in the Indian Ocean: Challenges and Solutions"
BIOGRAPHY OF PAPER PRESENTERS
Strategic Relevance of Small Powers: Balancing Geopolitical Competition in Indian Ocean
LCdr (N) MM Widanapathirana
BNavalSt (Maritime Warfare) Hons
Lieutenant Commander (N) M.M. Widanapathirana, NRX 2726, is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of Sri Lanka Naval Ship Hansaya. He is a highly experienced navigation specialist with extensive operational and administrative experience in the Sri Lanka Navy.
Lieutenant Commander Widanapathirana is a proud alumnus of Delta Gemunupura Maha Vidyalaya and Jayahela National School, Kotmale. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 49th Intake on 11 th May 2009 and underwent basic naval training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. Upon successful completion of training, he was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant on 11th May 2011.Education
LCdr Widanapathirana completed the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course, securing the second-highest merit at the Naval and Maritime Academy. He specialized in Navigation at INS Venduruthy, India, and holds a Bachelor of Naval Studies in Maritime Warfare (Honours) from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Additionally, he successfully completed the 28th Junior Naval Staff Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, achieving the highest overall aggregate and being recognized as the Best Public Speaker. Furthermore, he has completed the Practical Pistol Shooting Course. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
Key Assignments
He has held several key appointments, including Officer-in-Command of Fast Attack Craft P497 and CG 403, Squadron Commander of Coast Guard Craft attached to NNA, Media Officer on the staff of the Navy Media Coordinator, and Administrative Officer/Second-in-Command of SLN ships and craft. Moreover, he was an initial crew member of SLNS Rathnadeepa, a vessel gifted by the Australian Government. He has also served as a Divisional Officer for the 56th Intake, 65th Intake, and 38th & 39th Intakes of KDU at the prestigious Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee, and as the Navigating Officer of SLNS Nandimithra. Notably, he was appointed as an Instructor at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, India, making history as the first foreign officer to serve in that capacity.
Additional Contributions
Lieutenant Commander Widanapathirana has played a significant role in organizing and hosting naval and national-level events as a compère. He was the director and scriptwriter of the 2018 Navy Day Documentary and served as an editorial member of Sayurusara, the Sri Lanka Navy’s biannual magazine, as well as AHOY, the biannual magazine of the Indian Naval Academy, and The Polaris, the Naval and Maritime Academy magazine. Some of his articles have been published in the Sri Lanka Navy Journal and IONSPHERE, the magazine of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his commendable service, he has been awarded the Commander of the Navy’s Commendation and the Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, along with several other service medals.
Personal
Lieutenant Commander Malika Widanapathirana is happily married to Mrs. Srimali Padmasiri, and they are blessed with a six-year-old daughter, Arunya.
Emerging Maritime Threat Landscape in the Indian Ocean Region and Shift to Proactive Defence Posture through Synergy
LCdr (C) WAPK Wagaarachchi
BSc (MTS) Hons, Dip in D&IR
Lieutenant Commander (Communication) WAPK Wagaarachchi is currently serving as the Signal Communication Officer onboard SLNS Gajabahu, the Sri Lanka Navy’s Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), which plays a vital role in Maritime Security Operations. He is a dedicated naval communication specialist with extensive operational experience and expertise in maritime communications and surveillance. Lieutenant Commander Wagaarachchi joined the Sri Lanka Navy in 2011 as an Officer Cadet in the Executive Branch. He commenced his naval career by undergoing basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee and the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Ratmalana.
Education
LCdr (C) Wagaarachchi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Technical Sciences from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Sri Lanka. He specialized in Naval Communication at INS Venduruthy, India, where he was awarded the Best International Student Award for his outstanding performance.
Professional Training
He has successfully completed the Junior Naval Staff Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. Additionally, he holds a Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, Sri Lanka, further enhancing his professional and academic credentials.
Key Assignments
Over the course of his career, Lieutenant Commander Wagaarachchi has held several key appointments, including Staff Officer Maritime Surveillance at the Directorate of Naval Operations and Flag Lieutenant (Aide-de-Camp) to the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. He has also served as an additional officer onboard patrol vessels and fast attack craft.
Expertise
Lieutenant Commander Wagaarachchi’s areas of professional expertise include naval communications, maritime surveillance operations, and international relations. His technical proficiency in signal communications and operational experience contribute significantly to the Navy’s maritime security capabilities.
Additional Contributions
Beyond his naval career, Lieutenant Commander Wagaarachchi is a keen sportsman and has proudly represented the Sri Lanka Navy in boxing.
Personal
Lieutenant Commander WAPK Wagaarachchi is happily married to Mrs. PKG Imasha, and they are blessed with a daughter.
Why it Needs Strengthening Regional Maritime Governance and Collective Security via Information Sharing and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in Indian Ocean Region
LCdr (N) PMTS Bandara, BSc (NMS)Hons, EDip in Mgt (IMSL), Dip in Mgt (IMSL), MIM(SL)
Lieutenant Commander Tharindu S Bandara is currently serving as the Officer in Charge of the Information Fusion Centre Colombo (IFC-CBO) under the Directorate of Operations, Sri Lanka Navy. He is a dedicated naval officer with extensive maritime experience and expertise in maritime domain awareness and information sharing.
Lieutenant Commander Bandara has served in the Sri Lanka Navy with distinction, contributing to various operational and strategic initiatives. He is currently a student officer in the 37th Junior Naval Staff Course (JNSC), enhancing his professional knowledge and leadership capabilities.Education
LCdr Tharindu S Bandara holds a Bachelor of Science in Naval and Maritime Studies (Honours), obtaining a second class upper division [BSc(NMS)Hons] from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). He has further enhanced his professional qualifications by completing a Diploma in Business Management (Dip in Mgt) and an Executive Diploma in Business Management (EDip in Mgt) from the Institute of Management of Sri Lanka (IMSL). He was awarded the “Most Outstanding Performer” at IMSL consecutively two times and has been awarded membership of the Institute of Management of Sri Lanka [MIM(SL)].
Professional Training
He has successfully completed his Long Executive Specialization Course in Navigation at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee.
Operational Experience
Lieutenant Commander Bandara is an experienced seafarer and has served onboard many ships and crafts of the Sri Lanka Navy. His notable assignments include serving as Navigating Officer onboard SLNS Vijayabahu
Expertise
His professional expertise includes maritime domain awareness, information fusion and sharing, navigation, and maritime security operations. His technical proficiency in coordinating regional maritime information supports the Navy’s strategic objectives in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Securing Maritime Commons - Integration of Technology for the Stability of Indian Ocean Region
LCdr (E) MASL Wijerathne
MTech , BSc (Hons) Mar Eng, AMIE(SL)
Lieutenant Commander (E) M.A.S.L. Wijerathne is currently serving as the Staff Engineer Officer (Marine Design II) at the Directorate of Naval Design, Sri Lanka Navy. He is a dedicated Marine Engineering officer with a strong focus on innovation and modernization within the Navy’s engineering domain. Lieutenant Commander Wijerathne has served in the Sri Lanka Navy for 11 years with distinction. Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to numerous engineering initiatives and projects that have enhanced the operational capabilities of the Navy.
Education
LCdr (E) Wijerathne holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Marine Engineering from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana. He has further advanced his academic qualifications by completing a Master’s degree in Marine Technology from the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), India.
Key Assignments and Contributions
His notable assignments include significant involvement in the 31 New Series Fast Gunboat Repowering Project, which has been instrumental in modernizing the Navy’s fleet capabilities. Additionally, he has conducted several computer-based engineering simulation studies that support strategic decision-making and operational planning within the Navy.
Expertise
Lieutenant Commander Wijerathne’s areas of professional expertise include computer-aided mechanical simulations and advanced naval design applications. His technical proficiency in modern engineering tools and methodologies supports innovation and contributes to the modernization efforts within the Sri Lanka Navy’s engineering domain. He is currently focused on the professional development of his career while continuing to serve the nation with dedication and technical excellence.
LCdr (E) RAPH Ranasinghe
MTech , BSc (Hons) Mar Eng, AMIE(SL)
Lieutenant Commander (E) Ranasinghe Arachchige Pasan Hirusha Ranasinghe is a Marine Engineering officer of the Sri Lanka Navy who is currently following the Junior Naval Staff Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. Lieutenant Commander Ranasinghe has served in the Marine Engineering branch for 04 years, contributing to various engineering initiatives and operational assignments that have enhanced the maintenance and operational capabilities of the Navy’s fleet.
Education
LCdr (E) Pasan Ranasinghe holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in the field of Marine Engineering from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana. He has further advanced his academic qualifications by completing a Master of Technology degree in the field of Marine Technology from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), India.
Key Assignments
His assignments include serving as Marine Engineer (Propulsion and Workshop) II at SLNS Rangalla and Marine Engineer (MTU) Workshop II at SLN Dockyard.
Operational Experience
His operational experience includes Operation Blue Diamond, during which he was onboard SLNS Sindurala.
Expertise
Lieutenant Commander (E) Pasan Hirusha Ranasinghe’s areas of expertise include major overhauls of MTU engines and Fast Attack Craft repairs. He has successfully guided his team for the completion of SLNS Mihikatha both main engines major overhauls without having experienced personnel as well as outside firm support.
Professional Recognition
He has been recognized as a Professional Engineer and member of the Engineering Council of Sri Lanka. He is currently focused on the professional development of his career.
The Bay of Bengal and Emerging Regional Alignments - Challenges and Solutions
Cdr (IN) Pushpinder Tyagi
BSc
Commander Pushpinder Tyagi is an officer from the Indian Naval Special Forces (Marine Commandos – MARCOs), forming part of the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy. He is currently serving as the Training Commander and Operations Officer at the Naval Special Warfare Training and Tactical Centre (MARCOs Basic Training School) based at Goa. Commander Tyagi has served in the Indian Navy for 13 years, including 10 years of operational service in the MARCOS. Throughout his career, he has held several critical operational and training assignments that have enhanced his expertise in special warfare and maritime counter-terrorism operations.
Education
Cdr Pushpinder Tyagi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune.
Operational Experience
His operational experience includes serving as Prahar Leader during Anti-Piracy Patrols in the Malacca Strait (2017) onboard INS Sumitra and in the Gulf of Aden (2021) onboard INS Talwar. He was also deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for Counter-Terrorism Operations and led a Prahar team in Sir Creek, Gujarat. Additionally, he held the appointment of Divisional Officer at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala from 2018 to 2020.
Expertise
Commander Pushpinder Tyagi is a qualified Combat Freefaller with over 50 jumps and a qualified Combat and Ship’s Diving Officer. His professional expertise includes special operations, maritime counter-terrorism, combat diving, and special warfare training.
Awards and Recognition
The officer was awarded the Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) for rescuing 33 Bangladeshi fishermen at sea, along with his team, following Cyclone Mora in Bangladesh while embarked as the Prahar Leader onboard INS Sumitra.
Cdr (IN) Sundara Pandiyan
MSc, BSc
Commander Sundara Pandian, ASWO, is currently serving as an Instructor for Leadership and Management Courses for senior sailors at INS Agrani, Coimbatore. He is a dedicated Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer with extensive operational and technical experience in the Indian Navy. Commander Pandian has served in various capacities both at sea and ashore, contributing significantly to the operational readiness and training standards of the Indian Navy.
Education
Cdr Sundara Pandian is a graduate from the National Defence Academy and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He has further advanced his academic qualifications by completing a Master’s degree in Underwater Science and Technology from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).
Key Assignments
His sea appointments include serving as Navigating Officer of Water Jet Fast Attack Craft INS Cora Divh at Chennai and Landing Craft Utility INLCU 52 at Port Blair. He has also held specialist ASWO billets onboard ASW Frigate INS Kamorta and Destroyer INS Rana in Eastern Fleet, Visakhapatnam. His ashore appointments include serving as Autonomous Vehicle Controller in Self Propelled Underwater Reusable Target (SPURT) section at Lakshya Squadron and Senior Trials Officer ASW at Weapon Acceptance and Trial Unit East.
Expertise
Commander Sundara Pandian’s areas of professional expertise include Anti-Submarine Warfare operations, underwater acoustics technology, navigation, and weapons trial and acceptance procedures. His technical proficiency and operational experience contribute significantly to the Navy’s ASW capabilities and training programs.
LCdr (BN) Shams Sadekin Nirnoy
BSc (Hons) in Maritime Science
Lieutenant Commander Shams Sadekin Nirnoy is an officer of the Bangladesh Navy from the Executive Branch. He is currently focused on the professional development of his career while continuing to serve the nation with dedication and excellence. Lieutenant Commander Nirnoy has served in the Bangladesh Navy for 07 years. Throughout his commissioned service, he has served in frigates, Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), smaller crafts, and various establishments of the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard.
Education
LCdr Shams Sadekin Nirnoy holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in the field of Maritime Science from Bangladesh University of Professionals.
Operational Experience
His operational experience includes serving as the Staff Officer Operation of Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) Dhaka Zone. He has carried out anti-smuggling, fisheries protection, anti-narcotics, and anti-piracy operations as Station Commander in BCG.
Professional Courses
He has completed his VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) Instructor Course from UNODC, Sri Lanka and Maldives. He served as an instructor of VBSS course under UNODC. Additionally, he has completed Maritime Search and Rescue, Disaster Management, and Pollution Control courses from Japan under JICA.
Awards and Recognition
For his outstanding contribution, he was awarded the President Coast Guard Medal by the Honourable Prime Minister in 2024. He was also awarded the National Integrity Award from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Director General’s Appreciation from DG Coast Guard. He is currently focused on the professional development of his career.
Geo-Political Realignment of Middle Powers in the Indian Ocean
LCdr (CE) BAS Vathsara
BSc (Hons) CE Eng, AMIE (SL)
Lieutenant Commander (CE) Baragama Arachchige Saviru Vathsara is a Civil Engineering Officer of the Sri Lanka Navy who is currently following the Junior Naval Staff Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. He is a dedicated engineering officer with extensive experience in naval construction projects and infrastructure development. Lieutenant Commander Vathsara has served in the Civil Engineering branch for 09 years, contributing significantly to various construction initiatives and project management assignments that have enhanced the infrastructure and operational capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Education
LCdr (CE) Saviru Vathsara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana. He is currently pursuing a Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Additionally, he has successfully completed the Young Officers Engineering Course at the College of Military Engineering, Pune, India.
Key Assignments
His notable assignments include serving as Senior Civil Engineer (Project and Planning), Staff Civil Engineering Officer (Special Project) I, and Civil Engineer I at the Naval Construction Centre (NCC).
Operational Experience and Contributions
Lieutenant Commander Vathsara has vast experience in the construction field and has provided his expertise as a Civil Engineer for several naval and non-naval construction projects. His significant contribution in the construction of a chronic disease-related social welfare, economic empowerment, education and information center at Girandurukotte was recognized and praised through commendations from His Excellency the President.
Expertise
Lieutenant Commander (CE) Saviru Vathsara’s areas of professional expertise include project planning and management, naval construction infrastructure development, and occupational safety standards in construction operations. His technical proficiency in civil engineering and project management contributes significantly to the modernization and infrastructure development within the Sri Lanka Navy.
Professional Recognition
He has been recognized as a Professional Engineer and an Associate Member of the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka. Furthermore, he is a member of the College of Military Engineering and Technology Sri Lanka. He is currently focused on the professional development of his career while continuing to serve the nation with dedication and technical excellence.
LCdr (N) AM Wickramaarachchi
BSc (NMS)
Lieutenant Commander (N) Asela Madhushanka Wickramaarachchi is from executive branch of Sri Lanka Navy and currently following Junior Naval Staff Course at Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee.
Having 12 years in the Navy, He has held many assignments including in sea and shore establishments such as administrative officer on board SLNS Ranajaya, Second in command on board P 460, Executive officer on board SLNS Ranadheera, Staff officer operations at South Eastern Naval Command, Flag Lieutenant and Staff officer II at Ministry of Defence.Education
Lieutenant Commander (N) Asela Madhushanka Wickramaarachchi holds a BSc in Naval and Maritime Studies from General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University with second upper class and is currently following a diploma in Pharmacy. Further, he has completed the Sublieutenant Technical course at the INS Vendoorthi,Kochi, India.
Expertise
Lieutenant Commander (N) Asela Madhushanka Wickramaarachchi specialized in Navigation. Further he successfully completed VBSS basic and advanced courses under UNODC. He is currently focused on professional development of his carrier.
He is currently focused on professional development of his carrier.
