Commodore(E)DSPK De Silva, USP, psc, BSc(DS), Mar.Eng., MSc(DS)Mgt. CEng(I), MIE(I), AMIE(SL), MIMarEST, FRINA(UK), JP(Whole Island) a product of Taxila Central College, Horana, Western Sri Lanka, joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 14th November 1989 as an officer cadet to 07th Intake of Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy. He joined Naval & Maritime Academy(NMA), Trincomalee, on 11 Nov 1990 for Naval training and reported back to Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy for completion of balance degree course after 06 months training at NMA. On completion 03 years, he was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science (Defence Studies) in Marine Engineering, becoming the first in order of merit in Marine Engineering programme. He obtained his specialization in Marine Engineering at Centre of Marine Engineering Technology, INS Shivaji, India. He also followed many other professional and management courses during his carrier afterwards. Commodore(E)DSPK De Silva has held numerous appointments both ashore and at sea. He has served onboard Sri Lanka Naval Ship Sagarawardhana, Sri Lanka Naval Ship Abeetha, Sri Lanka Naval Ship Jayasagara, Auxiliary vessel A 520, Sri Lanka Naval Ship Sayura and Passenger Ferry A545(Jet Liner) as engineer officer. Having accumulated sufficient under graduate and post graduate training, he has also followed the Command & Staff Course in Sri Lanka in 2006 where he excelled in the course and subsequent to same, he was appointed as the first Directing Staff of inaugurated Defence Services Command & Staff College in 2007 for two years tenure. He obtained his Masters in Management from Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana in 2017. Presently, he is serving at the Naval Headquarters in the highest echelon of the engineering branch as the Director Marine Engineering since18th February 2018 to-date. He is married to Mrs. KDD Somachandra and blessed with a daughter, Dinuli and a son, Sineth.

• Bachelor of Science (Defence Studies) in Marine Engineering
• Master of Science (Defence Studies) in Management

• 30 Apr 96 to 20 Aug 96 - Marine Engineer (Propulsion & Work Shop) I,Commodore Superintendent Dockyard(East), Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee - Management of Machine shop and ship repairs. a. Ensure accuracy and quality of the machining jobs undertaken in Lathe Machines, Milling Machines, Vertical Honing Machine, Drilling Machines, Shaping Machine and Engraving Machine. b. Forecasting of material requirements and order with sufficient lead time. c. Supervise a total number of 30 Technical Sailors in the Engineering Department.
• 21 Aug 96 to 04 Jan 98 - Marine Engineer (Propulsion & Work Shop) I,Sri Lanka Naval Ship ‘Jayasagara’ (OPV built by Colombo Dockyard Ltd., Sri Lanka) - Ship maintenance and administration of the Engineering Department of the ship. a. Highest operational availability of machineries fitted on-board and smooth functioning engineering department. b. Planning and execution of routines, Planned Preventive maintenance of main engines and all auxiliary machinery. c. Timely projection of spare parts requirement for forecasted repairs/ maintenance. d. Training and welfare matters of all technical sailors.
• 05 Jan 98 to 20 Jan 99 - Acting Senior Engineer (Quality Assurance & Training),Sri Lanka Naval Ship ‘Rangalla’ Commodore Superintendent Dockyard (West) Western Naval Command, Port of Colombo, Colombo - Ship maintenance and workshop administration a. Repairs and maintenance of OPVs, Fast Gun boats and shore based generators. b. In-Charge of the Machine Shop at Command Engineering Workshop and implementation of work floor safety measures. c. Maintain adequate spare parts stocks as per consumption pattern and initiating timely procurement action as necessary. d. Planning and projecting of improvements and additions to workshop facilities in keeping with short term/ long term objectives of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN).
• 21 Jan 99 to 27 Jan 00 - Senior Marine Engineer (West),Sri Lanka Naval Ship ‘Uththara’ Northern Naval Command Kankesanthurai, Jaffna - Responsible to supervise small craft maintenance and training welfare and administration of workshop personnel. a. Maintenance/ repairs of Inshore Petrol Craft, Coastal Petrol Crafts and Outboard Motors. b. Conducting of sea trials completion of major repairs and maintain technical records. c. Supervise naval and civilian staff in the workshops, their attendance, discipline, work and level of training. d. Quality assurance, Co-ordination and supervision of jobs undertaken by the workshops.
• 28 Jan 00 to 09 Jul 00 - Acting Senior Engineer (Quality Assurance & Training),Commodore Superintendent Dockyard (East) Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee - Responsible to control over the Safety, Quality assurance and Training (QA&T)of the department. a. Assure quality of goods and services provided by CSD (E) Organization. b. Conducting and coordinating of training programmesfor engineers and technician in various engineering disciplines. c. Make adequate measures and precautions to ensure safety of men at workplaces in the Dockyard. d. Proper administration of paper recycle unit at SLN Dockyard.
• 10 Jul 00 to 28 Nov 01 - Senior Marine Engineer (West),Sri Lanka Naval Ship ‘Rangalla’ Commodore Superintendent Dockyard (West) Western Naval Command, Port of Colombo, Colombo - Ship repair/ maintenance and administration of Engineering department. a. Direction and supervision of subordinate Marine Engineers on their respective spheres of work. b. Repairs and Maintenance of OPVS, LCM, LCU, FGB, CPC, IPC and other small craft. c. Supervision of general administration / regulation of the Command Engineering Workshop. d. Conducting of training and awareness programs on personal &machinery safety, occupational health and first aid. e. Planning and projecting of improvements and additions to workshop facilities in keeping with short term/ long term objectives of the Navy.
• 29 Nov 01 to 22 Sep 02 - Acting Naval Motor Transport Officer (East), Commodore Superintendent Dockyard (East) Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee - Vehicle maintenance and administration a. Plan and attend all repairs and maintenance of more than 600 motor vehicles in the contingent command. b. Advise Contingent Commander on all engineering matters in the command. c. Supervise 28 technical sailors in the command.
• 23 Sep 02 to 16 May 04 - Senior Marine Engineer (Fast Gun Boat) & Senior Engineer (QA&T), Commodore Superintendent Dockyard (East) Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee - Repairs/ maintenance of 11 NosFast Gun Boats (FGB) and Quality Assurance & Training of SLN Dockyard a. Responsible to CSD(E) for adhering to quality concepts and training at Naval Dockyard Trincomalee. b. Supervise repair/ maintenance and smooth functioning of FGB fleet of SLN. c. Conduct sea trials and supervise machinery repairs of FGBs. d. Project spare parts requirement for plan preventive maintenance of FGBs. e. Supervise Engineers and technical sailors attached to FGB workshop and QA&T department. During my tenure as Senior Engineer (QA & T) I was able to establish a new training mechanism for dockyard personnel such as introducing of industrial visit.
• 17 May 04 to 06 Apr 05 - Acting Manager Engineering Department (Fast Gun Boat &Auxiliary ) & Senior Engineer (QA&T), Naval Dockyard, Commodore Superintendent Dockyard (East) Trincomalee. - My appointment was upgraded to MED (F&A) considered to my seniority and performances. During this period, I was able to actively engage in re-engine project of Fast Gunboat SLNS Ranarisi.In addition to that, I was opportune to involve with designing of Navy’s largest air conditioning project ever at Admiral WasanthaKarannagoda Auditorium at Naval & Maritime Academy, Trincomalee where the involved cooling load is around 800 Tonnes of refrigerants.
• 07 Apr 05 to 18 Sep 05 - Engineer Officer on Board, Sri Lanka Naval Ship A520 (Built by JJ Sietas, Hamburg, West Germany -1971) - Engineering department of the ship was consisted with an Assistant Engineer, three (3) senior Artificers trained in India/ NDT, fifteen (15) another engineering mechanics. The responsibilities as Engineer Officer was almost same as the other sea appointments, briefly the functioning of the department efficiently maintaining all the machineries and systems in a good standard.
• 19 Sep 05 to 25 Jan 06 - Command Engineering Officer (North Central Command), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Pandukabhaya North Central Naval Command , Poonewa, Medawachchiya. - Description of duties / responsibilities a. Principle adviser to Commander North Central Naval Area (CNCNA) on all technical matters. b. Coordinate all engineering activities including fire fighting and damage control readiness in the area. c. Ensure smooth and efficient functioning of all work shops in the area. d. Forecast, plan, design, implementation maintenance and development of technical infrastructure in establishments in area. e. Providing engineering /technical assistance to outside organisations with the concurrence of CNCNA.
• 23 Jan 07 to 11 Feb 07 - Senior Engineer Officer,Sri Lanka Naval Ship ‘SLNS Sayura’ Port of Colombo , Colombo. - This was the flagship of the Navy then and I was privileged for taking over duties of chief engineer of her. I was entrusted following duties and responsibilities; a. Advise the Commanding Officer on all marine engineering aspects. b. Ensure smooth functioning of on board machineries through timely repair and maintenance. c. NBCD Officer of the ship. d. Training of trainee engineers and technicians. e. Supervising officer for 01 x Engineer Officer, 05 x senior Artificers and 15 x senior engineering mechanics.
• 12 Feb 07 to 05 Feb 09 - Directing Staff, Sri Lanka Naval Ship ‘Parakrama’ Defence Services Command & Staff College(DSCSC) , Sapugaskanda, Sri Lanka - I was selected for first ever Naval directing Staff at Defence Services Command & Staff College which is considered the highest seat of learning for officers of tri forces in Sri Lanka. DSCSC was affiliated to University of Keleniya, where students who fulfil the requirements set by the senate of University during the 12 months course could be conferred with Masters in Defence Studies (MDefS).
• 06 Feb 09 to 08 Aug 10 - Senior Engineer Officer On Board, Sri Lanka Naval Ship A545/Jet Liner - A545 was utilized to transfer approx. 3000 military personnel and cargo. During my tenure the ship was converted to a flat form in the name of 'Visit Sri Lanka' in view of boosting the tourism under the guidance of Ministry of Tourism. I was one of the key members in the BOS for converting process. I was entrusted following duties/ responsibilities during the tenure. a. Advise Officer in Command on technical aspects. b. Responsible to maintain maximum operational availability of all machineries onboard. c. Ensure smooth functioning of engineering department through effective training, knowledge sharing and records/ documents up keeping. d. Forecasting and timely ordering of spares/ consumables for routine maintenance of machineries \ equipment e. Ensure NBCD readiness.
• 09 Aug 10 to 07 Feb 11 - Acting Deputy Superintendent Dockyard (South), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Dakshina Commodore Superintendent Dockyard (South) Southern Naval Command, Magalle, Galle - The DSD (S) will be responsible to the CSD(S) with respect to all marine engineering aspects pertaining to the area. a. Supervise repair/ maintenance of all ships and craft in Southern Naval Area. b. Forecast machinery maintenance and docking schedule of ships and craft in Southern Naval Area. c. Proposing improvements of workshop facilities in keeping with modern day developments in technology. d. Coordinating of engineering work requested by other outside organizations. e. Controlling of Engineering matters in the Southern Naval Area when the SLN is called upon to give Aid to Civil Power.
• 08 Feb 11 to 19 Nov 11 - Manager Engineering Department (North), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Uththara Commodore Superintendent Dockyard(North) Northern Naval Command, Kankesanthurai, Jaffna - This is a much responsible appointment being the third position in Marine Engineering Department in Northern Naval Area. a. Efficient and smooth functioning of the Engineering Department through efficient administration. b. Ensure proper maintenance of equipment installed on board ships/ craft in area. c. Planning and improving of workshops through introducing of modern management techniques such as job analysis, critical path analysis, system analysis, operational research, job specification, job evaluation procedures, output controls, work controls, work measurements and work scheduling etc. d. Control all required correspondence and documentation originating from the department.
• 20 Nov 11 to 13 Jun 12 - Captain Engineering Department (North West ), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Barana North West Naval Command, Mollikulam, Puttalam - Responsible to Commander North Western Naval Area(CNCNA) for engineering matters being the head of the department. a. Advisor to CNCNA on all Engineering matters. b. Maintain highest operational availability of ships/ craft and shore based equipment in area. c. Allocation and supervising of duties and responsibilities of officers attached toCED(NW) staff for smooth and efficient functioning of all workshops. d. Implement workshops improvement and forward future development proposals of workshops to Navy Headquarters for approval. e. Ensure proper conduct of training programs and workflow safety awareness programs within the area
• 14 Jun 12 to 22 Oct 12 - Deputy Superintendent Dockyard (North), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Uththara Commodore Superintendent Dockyard(North) Northern Naval Command, Kankesanthurai, Jaffna - The Deputy Superintendent Dockyard (North) has functional responsibility over the Marine Engineering Department and Shipwright department of the Northern Naval Area (NNA). a. Efficient and smooth functioning of the Marine Engineering department in accordance with accepted norms and engineering practices. b. Forecast and project spare parts/ consumable requirements and advice logistics department on procuring of spare parts. c. Planning and improving of workshops through introducing of modern management techniques such as job analysis, critical path analysis, system analysis, operational research, job specification, job evaluation procedures, output controls, work controls, work measurements and work scheduling etc. d. Co-ordination of engineering repayment work requisitioned by other outside organizations. e. Controlling of engineering matters in the Northern Naval Area when the Sri Lanka Navy is called upon to give aid to civil power.
• 23 Oct 12 to 14 Jun 14 - Deputy Director Naval Projects & Plans (Technical), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Parakrama Navy Headquarters, Colombo 01 - The duties and responsibilities are aimed at looking after all matters related to technical nature with regards to acquisition of ships/craft to SLN, providing technical assistance to other government and non-governmental organizations and attend to special projects and R&D work. a. Formulating plans and policies - coordination with other directorates for future ships/craft development of SLN. b. Initiate action for the acquisition of ships/craft, equipment and systems for SLN. c. Liaise/coordinate with outside organizations and relevant directorates at NHQ in construction of Capital Ships to SLN. d. Coordinator for the construction and delivery of Craft by IPCCP to outside organization. e. Advise DNPP in all other matters of technical nature. Two of key achievements during the tenure were; Coordinating and planning of initial design activities up to construction level of two Advanced off Shore Patrol Vessels built for SLN by M/S Goa Shipyard ltd, India and the being the point of contact from SLN, I managed to complete the gifting process of two Bay class vessels from Australian Border Protection Force to SLN.
• 15 Jun 14 to 14 Jul 15 - Deputy Superintendent Dockyard (East), Commodore Superintendent Dockyard(East) Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee - Four managers, namely Manager Engineering Department (FAC), Manager Engineering Department (Fleet & Auxiliary), Manager Engineering Department (Yard Support) and Manager Hull Engineering Department work under my direct supervision. My primary responsibilities are; a. Smooth functioning of Marine Engineering Department through effective and efficient administration. b. Maintain highest operational availability of ship/ craft / vehicle and shore based equipment is area. c. Continual improvement of organization’s performances through modern management techniques. d. Responsible to maintain/ upkeep all correspondence and technical records of major repairs of machineries. e. Procurement and maintaining of adequate spare parts/ consumable stocks for forecasted major repair/ maintenance of entire SLN fleet in liaison with logistics department.
• 15 Jul 15 to 21 Sep 16 - Commodore Superintendent Dockyard (South), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Dakshina Southern Naval Command, Magalle, Galle -Being the Engineering Head of the Department I was directly responsible for DGE at Naval Headquarters for functioning of engineering departments in the Southern Naval Area smoothly. My primary responsibilities are as follows; a. Advisor to Commander Southern Naval Area (CSNA) on all Marine, Hull and Automobile Engineering matters. b. Ensure efficient and smooth functioning of the Engineering Department through assigning of duties and responsibilities to officers attached. c. Ensure highest operation availability of naval and vehicle fleet and 100?RN readiness in the area. d. Ensure timely projection of spare parts requirements and speedy procurement actions. e. Continual improvement of organization’s performances through modern management techniques. f. Supervise when providing of engineering repayment work requested by other Government Departments and the private sector. g. Performance evaluation of officers attached to CSD(S) and implement continual professionalism development programs.
• 22 Sep 16 to 14 Dec 16 - Director Engineering Services (DES), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Parakrama Directorate of Engineering Naval Headquarters, Colombo 01 - DES is responsible to Director General Engineering (DGE) for following maters. a. Assist DGE for formulating plans and strategies with relevant to general engineering matters and administration. b. Preparation on Engineers and Technicians annual transfer list. c. Planning & forecasting man power requirement in Marine Engineering, Automobile engineering & shipwright disciplines. d. Carry out frequent audit on engineering professionalism and formulating academic and Continuous Professional Development training requirements of engineering branch personnel. e. Selection of engineering personnel for special tasks and for training and maintain data base for administration matters. f. Planning and implementations of quality assurance system improvements.
• 15 Dec 16 to 10 Jul 17 - Director Automobile Engineering(DAE), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Parackrama Directorate of Engineering Naval Headquarters, Colombo 01 - Manage all administration and maintenance/repair matters of the vehicle fleet in Sri Lanka Navy. Assigned duties and responsibilities are as follows. a. Effective and efficient administration of Automobile Engineering Directorate in SLN. b. Projection of annual vehicle machinery requirement and initiate purchasing action. c. Allocation of vehicles to meet SLN requirements and maintain records. d. Arrangement for registration/insurance of vehicles. e. Preparing and scrutinizing of specifications of the automobile, earth moving vehicles, land vehicles and other machine tools and initiating procurement action. f. Make recommendations on purchasing automobile spare parts and automobile repairs files. g. Administration of warranty and contract repairs to Automobiles and machinery related to Automobile Engineering Workshops. h. Proposing improvements on infrastructure facilities, amendments to current regulations/orders to improve departmental activities. j. Appoint examiners and issuing of Service Driving Licenses.
• 11 Jul 17 –To date - Director Marine Engineering (DME), Sri Lanka Naval Ship Parakrama Directorate of Engineering Naval Headquarters, Colombo 01 - DME is responsible to the Director General Engineering on all matters pertaining to Marine Engineering matters in the Sri Lanka Navy. Duties and responsibilities of the DME will include the following in addition to other responsibilities and authorities as delegated by DGE. a. Assist DGE for formulating plans and strategies in Marine Engineering and Hull Engineering disciplines. c. Guide DES for forecasting man power requirement in Marine Engineering and Hull Engineering department. d. Ensure timely procurement of annual lubricant / filter requirements coordinate with logistic directorate. e. Conducting of periodic fleet repair progress meetings and bring up proposals to DGE for smooth and efficient functioning of SLN fleet. f. Supervise preparation of Docking and refit annual programme. g. Forward recommendations for spare parts/ machinery/ equipment purchases and monitor warranty claims. h. Ensure effective and timely implementation of maintenances and repairs to achieve optimum performance of SLN ships and craft. j. Supervise finalizing annual capital expenditure proposals based on priority order and submission to Logistics Directorate. k. Ensure availability of updated manuals, drawings and ship’s data pertaining to all ships and craft in SLN. l. Projection and forecasting of foreign and local specialized training courses for officers and sailors in Marine Engineering and Hull Engineering disciplines. m. Carry out frequent audit on officer professionalism and formulation of essential type training & professional development course through DES. During my tenure as DME, I had to oversee duties of DES as well as DAE for shorter period of time in addition to duties of DME due to shortage of senior officers in similar capacity. I was looking after work of three directorates simultaneously which was really challenging and lot of hard work and dedication were involved.

• Dates Company/Organisation Position 14 Nov 89 - 13 Nov 92 Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy, Under Graduate officer cadet Ratmalana following BSc (DS) marine eng 14 Nov 92 - 31 Mar 93 Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee. Trainee Engineer undergoing Dockyard attachment 01 Apr 93 - 19 May 93 SLNS Rangalla, Port of Colombo Under going CDL training 20 May 93 - 06 May 94 On board SLNS Sagarawardane and Under going Engine Room Watch SLNS Abeetha Keeping 07 May 94 - 3