Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva is to retire on Wednesday after 36 years of service in the Sri Lanka Navy. He was also promoted to the rank of Admiral by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with effect from today.

He was appointed as the 23rd Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on January 1, 2019 and joined the Navy in the Executive Branch as an Officer Cadet of the 12th Intake in 1984.

Vice Admiral Silva has received specialized training on Deep Sea Salvage Diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diving from the US Navy and used his knowledge and skills extensively in salvage and mine clearance operations in the past.

In recognition of his noble service rendered for the motherland, Vice Admiral Silva has been awarded the Weera Wickrama Vibushanaya (WWV) twice, Rana Wikrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for gallantry, Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV) and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for exemplary conduct, and a tally of medals.

The outgoing Navy Commander called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday.