News365.lk By Staff Reporter
28 October 2025 Major General Nalinda Niyangoda RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc PhD MSc (DM) MSc (NSWS) PGDM officially assumed duties as the new Chief of National Intelligence (CNI) today (28 October 2025) at the Ministry of Defence, located in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
He formally took office following the presentation of his appointment letter by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), marking the commencement of his tenure overseeing the nation’s intelligence and security coordination apparatus.
A Distinguished Military Career
Major General Niyangoda is a highly decorated senior officer of the Sri Lanka Army with an exemplary service record spanning decades. His military decorations include the Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for gallantry, the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV) and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for distinguished and exceptional service.
In addition to his extensive operational experience, Major General Niyangoda holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a Master of Science in Defence Management (MSc DM), a Master of Science in National Security and War Studies (MSc NSWS), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM).
He has also completed advanced defence and command courses both locally and internationally, earning recognition for his academic and strategic contributions to defence management and policy.
Role and Responsibilities
As the Chief of National Intelligence, Major General Niyangoda will oversee the country’s key intelligence agencies, coordinate inter-agency operations, and advise the Ministry of Defence and the National Security Council on matters related to national security and intelligence.
His appointment comes at a crucial time, as Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its internal security framework, counter-terrorism operations, and intelligence-led decision-making processes to safeguard national stability.
Continuity and Strategic Direction
The Ministry of Defence stated that the appointment reflects the government’s confidence in Major General Niyangoda’s leadership, integrity, and operational experience. His tenure is expected to focus on enhancing intelligence coordination, improving technological integration in national security, and supporting Sri Lanka’s broader strategic defence objectives.
The assumption of duties ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, representatives of the armed forces, and key figures from national intelligence agencies.
A New Chapter in National Intelligence
Major General Nalinda Niyangoda’s appointment as Chief of National Intelligence marks a continuation of Sri Lanka’s effort to ensure a professional, disciplined, and forward-looking intelligence community capable of responding to evolving national and global security challenges.
