Major Pradeep Rathnayake is Member of The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment. After completing studies at St Sebastian’s Boys Primary School, Kandana and Mahanama College Colombo 03, He joined Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet of Intake 28 General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University on 23 September 2010. Upon completion of basic military training at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and Sri Lanka Military Academy Diyathalawa he was Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 23 September 2012 and posted to the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, one of the premiere Infantry Regiment of Sri Lanka Army and subsequently posted to the 1st Battalion The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.
During his Military Career, he has held various Command, Staff and Instructional appointments in his capacity.:
Command Appointments
- Platoon Commander – 1st Battalion The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.
- Officer Commanding – Rifle Coy – 1st Battalion The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.
- Officer Commanding – Support Coy – 22nd Battalion The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.
- Officer Commanding – Rifle Coy – 1st Battalion The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.
Staff Appointments
- Battalion Adjutant – 1st Battalion The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.
Instructor Appointments
- Troop Commander – Kotelawala Defence University.
- Instructor – International Humanitarian Law & Human Rights.
In recognition of his service rendered to the Sri Lanka Army he has awarded with following medals:
- 75th Independence Day Commemoration Medal.
- Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal.
- Sewabhimani Medal.
- Service Medal.
- Commander of the Army Commendation.