Admiral Wijegunaratne (Retired) called on CNS Pakistan at Pakistan Naval Headquarters, Islamabad today (15th January 2024).

During his illustrious Naval career, Admiral Ashraf has been the Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commander Pakistan Navy 25th and 18th Destroyer Squadron, Commander Pakistan Fleet, Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) and Chief of Staff at Pakistan Navy Headquarters prior to be appointed as Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy last year.

Admiral Ashraf is a graduate of Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore, National Defence University, Islamabad, US Navy Staff College, New Port, Rhode Island, and Royal College of Defense Studies, UK.

High Commissioner was cordially received by Pakistan CNS and discussed Defence and Naval related matters in length. CNS assured his highest support and assistance to all Naval training of officers and sailors and also thanked Sri Lankan leadership for facilities given to Pakistan War ships visiting Sri Lankan ports and invited Sri Lanka ships and delegation to International Naval Exercise and Seminar AMAN 25 scheduled in February 2025.

High Commissioner thanked CNS and Pakistan leadership for unconditional support and assistance provided to Sri Lanka Navy also Sri Lanka’s willingness to share their experience in Asymmetric Naval Warfare.High Commissioner requested intelligence sharing in fields of Drugs smuggling, arms, and human smuggling activities. High Commissioner also invited Commandant of Pakistan Naval Academy to Passing Out Parade of Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee this year.

High Commissioner was a graduate of Pakistan Navy War College and only foreign naval officer who reached highest position of Military, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS). He was also a visiting lecturer of Pakistan Navy War College.

He was awarded with Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) medal by Pakistan President in 2019.

Gifts were exchanged at the end of the meeting