Navy abductions case suspect CDS Wijegunaratne awarded military medal 

A key suspect in the case of 11 abducted youth by a Navy ransom gang, Sri Lanka’s highest ranking military official, Chief of Defence Staff Ravindra Wijegunaratne has been awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) Medal by the President of Pakistan at a Special investiture Ceremony held at Islamabad, Pakistan on Wednesday (13).
 
Wijegunaratne was the first Sri Lankan Military officer to earn BSc (Honours) (War Studies) degree from Karachi University in 1995. He is considered as an expert in “Asymmetric Naval Warfare” and “Small Boat Operations” and founder of Naval Commando Unit of Sri Lanka Navy, Special Boats Squadron (SBS).
 
Wijegunaratne is He is a regular visiting lecturer to Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore to lecture on his battle experiences and asymmetric Naval Warfare. His efforts to improve Military to Military relationship between two countries as Commander of the Navy and later as the Chief of Defence Staff have been highly recognized by Pakistan. In 2018, with his initiative, Military to Military Staff talks between two countries was elevated to a Defence Dialogue.
 
The Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) is the highest honour given to any civilian in Pakistan based on their achievements towards world recognition for Pakistan or an outstanding service for the Country. The award is not limited to citizens of Pakistan and while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel and worn on the uniform.
 
It is regarded as the highest award one can achieve in Pakistan since higher award Nishan-e-Pakistan is awarded only to foreign Heads of States. For those in the Military, it is given after distinguished service and is also the highest award that can be awarded to those at the rank of Generals (Army) Air Chief marshals (Air Force) and Admiral of Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines.
 
WIjegunaratne is, however, a suspect in the high profile abduction case of 11 youth between the years of 2008 - 2009. He is accused of harbouring the main suspect in the case Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi alias Navy Sampath and helping him to flee Sri Lanka during Wijegunaratne’s tenure as Navy commander.