Executive Summary

On 28 October 2025, Nalinda Niyangoda was appointed as the new Chief of National Intelligence (CNI) of Sri Lanka, replacing Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya, who retired the day before. His appointment comes at a critical time, as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration pursues sweeping reforms to the country’s security institutions and efforts to improve intelligence coordination. Despite his three-and-a-half decade military career, Niyangoda lacks intelligence experience. He entered the military during the civil war (1983 – 2009), and his experience—mainly in the overwhelmingly Tamil northern provinces—likely aligns with the President’s pledges to address post-election concerns in the Tamil community. As of the time of this writing, there is no publicly available reporting or official commentary assessing the first three months of Niyangoda’s performance as Chief of National Intelligence or indicating any changes implemented under his leadership.

Profile

Open source reporting on Niyangoda’s personal history is exceptionally limited, but includes the following:

Education:

• Attended Dharmaraja College, a premier Buddhist boys’ school in Kandy, from approximately 1975 to 1988.
• In May 2022, pursued multiple university degrees and began a PhD in Disaster Management.
• Holds a master’s degree in National Security Policy and War Studies (details of timing and institution unavailable).
• Between 2015 and 2017, he obtained a master’s degree in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya. 
• Holds a postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and Management (details of timing and institution unavailable).

Military Career

• Joined the Sri Lanka Army on 20 January 1989.
• Trained at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA), Diyatalawa.
• Commissioned into the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps; later joined the Special Forces Regiment.

1990s (Civil War Era):

• Served in various regimental and field roles during the Sri Lankan civil war.
• Involved in rescue and resettlement missions and humanitarian operations.

2000s:

• Promoted through the ranks.
• Commanded 511 and 512 Infantry Brigades in Jaffna, capital of the Northern Province.
• Completed the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) course in 2003.

International Experience:

• Served as a Military Liaison Officer in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) from 2016 to 2017.

Senior Military Leadership:

• Appointed General Officer Commanding, 54 Infantry Division, Mannar – 30 December 2022.
• Later appointed Adjutant General of the Army, responsible for administrative/personnel affairs.
• Also served as Colonel Commandant, Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps.

Retirement and Civilian Role:

• Retired in June 2024 after 35+ years of service.
• Briefly worked in the private sector at FITS Express (UPS) from August 2024 to October 2025.
• Returned to public service as Chief of National Intelligence, appointed in October 2025. [source, source, source, source, source, source, source]