INSS Military Research Officers

Lt Col Palitha Herath joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet of the Intake 48 on 04th July 1998 after completion of studies at the A. Rathnayake Central College - Walala, Menikhinna. On completion of the Basic training, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on 17th June 2000.

He has obtained a Masters’ Degree in Conflict and Peace Studies and Post graduate Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. He has successfully completed the Junior Command Course and Senior Command Course in the Sri Lanka Army. Further, he has successfully completed the Young Officers Course in Deolalai (India), Advance Gunnery Course in Deolalai (India) and Antitank Guided Missile Equipment Support Course in Peoples Republic of China. Furthermore, in December 2011 he has graduated from the Defence Services Command and Staff College at Sapugaskanda, Sri Lanka which earned him with the distinguished title of ‘psc.

During his career, he has held a number of Command and Staff appointments commensurate with his rank and he has held the appointment of Commanding Officer of 8th Medium Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery. Presently he is serving as a Military Research Officer for Institute of National Security Studies which is the think tank of Ministry of Defence.

Commander (ASW) A.P. Amila Prasanga is a distinguished member of the Sri Lanka Navy, having joined on 05 August 2001 in the 19 Intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). He holds a wealth of qualifications and achievements, including the successful completion of the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course in India and his specialized training in Anti-Submarine Warfare from the Anti-Submarine Warfare School in India. Further accomplishments include a Staff Course at Defence Services Command and Staff College, Sapugaskanda, and the completion of the International Maritime Staff Operator course at the Naval War College in the USA.

Throughout his esteemed naval career, Commander Prasanga has commanded various vital units including the Rapid Action Boat Squadron, Fast Attack Craft, and Fast Passenger Ship. His leadership qualities were recognized with the Commander of the Navy's Letter of Commendation for his outstanding demonstration of leadership during counter-terrorism operations in Sri Lanka.

In terms of academic achievements, Commander Prasanga holds a BSc in Management and Technical Sciences (Defence Studies) from KDU, a Masters in Conflict and Peace Studies from the Colombo University in Sri Lanka, a Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies from KDU, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Beyond his naval and academic accomplishments, Commander Prasanga is a prolific researcher. He has presented research papers at national and international conferences and is an author and co-author of several esteemed national and international journals. Notably, he has been awarded an honorary Research Associateship in the Social Justice Research Laboratory at the Ohio State University, USA, recognizing his academic contributions in the field of Human Trafficking.

Commander Prasanga's research interests encompass a range of critical areas, including Maritime Security, Climate Change, Human Trafficking, and Military Wellbeing Management. His multifaceted expertise continues to contribute significantly to the realms of academia, naval operations, and global research.

Wing Commander Udith Pathirana joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet of the Intake 45 on 08th January 2004 after completion of studies at the DS Senanayake College, Colombo 08. On completion of the Basic and Advanced phases of training, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Administrative Regiment branch on 17th July 2005.

He has obtained a Masters’ Degree in Defence & Strategic Studies at the General Sir John Kothalawala Defence University, Sri Lanka. Further, he is currently following a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management in the same university and has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Management as well. He has successfully completed the Junior Staff Course in the Sri Lanka Army and Junior Command and Staff Course in the Sri Lanka Air Force. Hence, he has successfully completed the Young Officers Course in MHOW, India. Furthermore, in December 2022 he has graduated from the Defence Services Command and Staff College at Sapugaskanda, Sri Lanka which earned him the distinguished title of ‘psc.

During his career, he has held a number of operational and training appointments. Moreover, he has held the appointments of Officer Commanding Operations at Regiment Wings of Sri Lanka Air Force Station Iranamadu and Mullaithivu. Presently he is serving as a Military Research Officer for Institute of National Security Studies which is the think tank of Ministry of Defence.