by Our Defence Affairs Editor
The extensions of service for three key military leaders – Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, and Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa – highlight an intricate network of political considerations that have permeated Sri Lanka’s armed forces leadership. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, the Commander of the Army, and Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Commander of the Navy, are set to complete their extended service periods by the end of the year. Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, on the other hand, will conclude his tenure in January. These extensions, while maintaining continuity in leadership, reflect a pattern of political influences shaping the decision-making processes behind these high-ranking appointments.
For the new President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the responsibility will be considerable as he steps into office amidst these challenges. His administration will undoubtedly face scrutiny on how it navigates the leadership transitions of Sri Lanka’s military services. The absence of an extension for the Air Force Commander underscores this political trend, casting questions on impartiality, fairness, and merit-based decisions in the selection of senior officers. The repeated reliance on political manoeuvring risks sidelining exceptional leaders who have dedicated years of service to the nation.
It is imperative that President Dissanayake breaks this cycle by promoting transparency, merit, and strategic objectivity in leadership appointments. The consequences of politicisation have been clear: the exclusion of capable officers from opportunities to lead, which not only hampers operational effectiveness but also undermines institutional trust. Moving forward, the prioritisation of professionalism and leadership rooted in merit over political affiliations must become the cornerstone of national security strategy. It will be a critical test of President Dissanayake’s leadership to ensure that patterns of past decisions are not repeated, allowing the armed forces to focus on their primary mission of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and stability.
