In May 2024, Major General W.H.K.S. Peiris was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished military career. Born on June 6, 1969, Major General Peiris is an alumnus of St. Anthony's Boys School, Panadura, and Thurstan College, Colombo, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet in 1988 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Gajaba Regiment in 1990 (Daily Mirror Sri Lanka) (Army Sri Lanka).
Throughout his career, Major General Peiris has held numerous key positions, showcasing his versatility and commitment. His roles have spanned various capacities including Platoon Commander, Officer Commanding, and Adjutant, as well as higher strategic and administrative positions such as Brigade Commander, General Officer Commanding of the 52 Infantry Division, and Military Advisor at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (Daily Mirror Sri Lanka).
Major General Peiris has been recognized for his gallantry and exceptional service with several prestigious awards, including the 'Rana Wickrama Padakkama' (RWP) and 'Rana Sura Padakkama' (RSP). His educational and professional development includes completing various military courses both locally and internationally, further enhancing his strategic and operational acumen (Daily Mirror Sri Lanka) (Army Sri Lanka).
As the new Chief of Staff, Major General Peiris plays a critical role in overseeing the operational and administrative functions of the Sri Lanka Army, ensuring readiness and strategic direction in alignment with national defense objectives (Army Sri Lanka).
