Nearly Perfect GPA, International Awards, and a Mission to Serve Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Sri Lankan Navy officer who has spent years breaking barriers is celebrating yet another milestone, this time on the international stage, after graduating with a near-perfect GPA and multiple prestigious awards from a leading United States military university.

U.S. Ambassador Eric Meyer presented a Master's degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to Lieutenant Commander Piyumi Kathriarachchi of the Sri Lanka Navy at the American Center in Colombo, marking the completion of an academic journey that has earned recognition both in the United States and Sri Lanka.

The ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph, Director General of Training, and Commander C.R.P. Walakuluge, Director of Media of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Praising her achievement, Ambassador Meyer said Lieutenant Commander Kathriarachchi's success highlights both individual excellence and the long-term value of professional military education.

"Lieutenant Commander Kathriarachchi's achievements reflect both her exceptional dedication and the value of world-class American military education. Through U.S.-funded training, she has gained knowledge and skills that she is now bringing home to strengthen Sri Lanka's Navy. Her success demonstrates how investing in the professional development of our partners strengthens our defense cooperation and contributes to a safer, more secure Indian Ocean region," Ambassador Meyer said.

Graduating near the top of her class at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, Lieutenant Commander Kathriarachchi completed the Defense Logistics Management programme with honours, achieving an outstanding 3.98 Grade Point Average out of a possible 4.0.

Her academic success was accompanied by two major honours: the NPS Outstanding Thesis Award and the Kiwanis Club of Monterey Outstanding International Student Award, an accolade presented to only two international students at the institution each year.

Her studies were funded through the U.S. International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme, which supports the professional development of Sri Lankan military personnel while strengthening defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States.

Beyond the classroom, her research focused on spare parts procurement challenges faced by the Sri Lanka Navy, producing practical recommendations aimed at improving operational readiness and strengthening naval capabilities.

Following the degree presentation, Lieutenant Commander Kathriarachchi engaged with Sri Lankan youth at the American Center, encouraging them to pursue education, develop new skills and seize opportunities that can contribute to the country's future.

Reflecting on her experience in the United States, she said:

"My time in the United States gave me new tools to tackle real challenges facing our Navy. I look forward to putting that knowledge to work in service of Sri Lanka and hope my experience encourages other young Sri Lankans to pursue opportunities that can make a difference for our country."

For Lieutenant Commander Kathriarachchi, international recognition is the latest chapter in a career already defined by historic achievements. A past pupil of Taxila Central College, Horana, she made history in 2013 by becoming the first female midshipman in Sri Lanka Navy history to receive the prestigious Sword of Honour.

(Image Provided By U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka)