21 Facts About Jayanath Colombage

Admiral Jayanath Colombage, RSP, VSV, USP, FNI is a Sri Lankan flag officer and diplomat.

Jayanath Colombage was the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until 2022, prior to which he served as Additional Secretary to the President for foreign relations.

Jayanath Colombage was a Senior Prefect and Lance Sergeant of the College Cadet Platoon.

Jayanath Colombage holds a Master of Science in Defence Studies from the University of Madras, a Master of Arts in International Studies from King's College London and a PhD from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

Jayanath Colombage has gained Diplomas in Security Studies, Conflict Resolution, International Affairs and Information Technology.

Jayanath Colombage is a Fellow of the Nautical Institute and has served as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Branch.

Jayanath Colombage joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet in 1978 and successfully completed his basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee winning the 'Sword of Honour' for the Best Officer Cadet of the 7th Intake.

Jayanath Colombage was then selected to attend the International Midshipmen Course at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.

Jayanath Colombage is a weapon specialist who has undergone extensive training with the Indian Navy and in the People's Republic of China.

Jayanath Colombage has attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and the Royal College of Defence Studies.

Jayanath Colombage has commanded four Operational Naval Commands, Eastern, Northern, Western and North Central, for a period of over 5 years.

Jayanath Colombage served twice as the Director General Operations at Naval Headquarters.

Jayanath Colombage has served in the appointments of Deputy Area Commander, Deputy Area Commander and Deputy Area Commander.

Jayanath Colombage became the second officer to be appointed as Commander of the Navy from Operational Naval Command, having served as Commander, Eastern Naval Area prior to his appointment as Commander of the Navy promotion to the rank of Vice Admiral in 2012.

Jayanath Colombage retired from the navy in 2014 and was promoted to the rank of Admiral.

Jayanath Colombage has been a regular lecturer at the Defence Services Command and Staff College.

Jayanath Colombage has been certified by the International Maritime Organization as a lecturer in International Conventions on Port and Ship Security.

Jayanath Colombage has published a book titled 'Naval Terms and Expressions' and actively contributes to various academic forums.

Jayanath Colombage is a recipient of the Rana Sura Padakkama for gallantry.

Jayanath Colombage has been awarded 'Letters of Commendation' from several Commanders of the Navy and is the recipient of the 5-Star Commendation Badge.

Jayanath Colombage held the post of President of the Sri Lanka Navy Athletics Club from 1999 to 2006 and served as President of the Ceylonese Track and Field Club, President of the Sri Lanka Navy Sports Board and a Vice President of the Defence Services Sports Board.