Having studied at Mayurapada Central College, Narammala, he joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an officer cadet on 1 June 1977 and received his basic officer training at the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalle.

He thereafter attended the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India and the International Warfare Course of the Royal Navy.

Serving over eight years on sea duty, he has over 30 interceptions at sea to his credit while in command of Inshore Patrol Craft, Fast Attack Craft and Fast Gun Boats and has taken part in major joint military operations such as Vadamarachchi, Balawegaya and Riviresa.

From 1998 to 2001 he served as the Defence Adviser to the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi, where he took part in the purchase of SLNS Sayura, a used navy vessel, from India and established close links between the naval headquarters of the two navies.

He was appointed Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy on 15 January 2011 and served until his retirement on 27 September 2012 on which date he was promoted to the rank of Admiral.