Former Army Commander General Shantha Kottegoda has been appointed the new Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, replacing Hemasiri Fernando. 

Kottegoda served as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army from July 01, 2004 to December 05, 2005. 

He was succeeded as the Army Commander by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka who led the Army during the final phase of the Eelam war. 

Kottegoda has also served as the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Brazil and Thailand. 

During his military career, Kottegoda held numerous positions in the Army, among them he was Colonel of the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry, General officer Commanding Division in Jaffna, General officer Commanding 51 Division in Vavuniya. He has been Director of Training, Director Military Intelligence and Director General, Training at Army Headquarters