Kanchana Banagoda

Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, RSP, USP, is a Sri Lankan retired naval officer, who served as the 26th Commander of the Navy from 31 December 2024 till 1 July 2026.

Banagoda was appointed Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy on 16 August 2024 and served in that role until his appointment as Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 31 December 2024.

Commander of the Navy Banagoda was promoted to the rank of vice admiral and appointed the 26th Commander of the Navy on 31 December 2026 by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He was promoted admiral on 30 June 2026 and retired from services with effect from 1 July 2026. Damian Fernando succeeded him as the 27th Commander of the Navy.

Awards and decorations

Rana Sura Padakkama Uththama Seva Padakkama Sri Lanka Navy 50th Anniversary Medal Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal 75th Independence Day Commemoration Medal Sewabhimani Padakkama Sewa Padakkama Eastern Humanitarian Operations Medal Northern Humanitarian Operations Medal Purna Bhumi Padakkama North and East Operations Medal Riviresa Campaign Services Medal