Rear Admiral WDEM Sudarshana
RSP, USP, psc, ndu
Rear Admiral WDEM Sudarshana is a product of S. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa. On completion of his GCE Advanced Level Examination he joined the Sri Lanka Navy in 1986 as an Officer Cadet of the 14TH Intake. He followed his basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. Upon completion of successful training he was Commissioned in the Executive Branch of SLN in 1988. He followed his Sub Lieutenant’s Technical course in Indian Navy from 1988 to 1989. On completion of the Sub Lieutenant’s course he served in different sea and ashore appointments as a Junior Officer and he followed his specialization course in Pakistan Navy in Anti-Submarine Warfare in1995 to 1996. He is a graduate of Command and Staff College, Wellington, India, National Defence University of Washington DC USA, and also a graduate of the National Defence University of Beijing, China. He is conferred with three Master’s Degrees from University of Madras, National Defence University Washington DC and National Defence University, Beijing.
In his 35 years long career he has held many appointments at sea and ashore. He has Commanded many sea units of SLN which include Fast Attack Craft, Fast Gun Boats, Fast Personnel Carrier, Auxiliary Ship, and a Fast Missile Vessel. In addition he has Commanded three operational ashore bases and has held many important appointments such as Director Naval Personnel, Director Naval Sports, Naval Assistant to Commander of the Navy, Director Naval Research Wing, Deputy Area Commander Northern Naval Area, Deputy Area Commander Eastern Naval Area, Director General Personnel, Defence Advisor at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC - USA, Commander Western Naval Area and at the time of retirement he was holding the appointment of ‘Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy.
He has been awarded with a Gallantry Medal Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his performance at sea during the conflict. In addition he has been awarded with many other medals for his service, conduct and contribution towards the war effort against terrorism.
He is married to Ayoni Wickramasinghe a Government Pharmacist who is still working at the National Hospital Colombo, and blessed with two sons; Kavishka and Julio ages 21 and 19 who are still studying.
