Rear Admiral Prasad Kariyapperuma born on 10th August 1968 at Colombo and completed his school education in Ananda College, successfully. Though he was selected to the Katubadda Engineering Faculty, he decided to choose a more challenging career by entering into the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University on 6th October 1988 as a cadet to the Intake 6th- KDA.
He was commissioned in the Executive branch in the Navy in 1990 and promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in April 2022. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Defence studies Degree in Telecommunication and Electronic Engineering from the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Master Degree in Hydrographic Survey from Goa University (First Division with Distinction), Master of Management Studies Degree from Osmania University (First Division with Distinction) and Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations (BCIS, Merit Pass). He has undergone Sub Lieutenant Technical Course, Basic Hydrographic Survey Course, Long Hydrographic Survey course, Higher Defence Management course in India, and Staff College education from Nanjing, China (Graded as Excellent). In 2017 he followed International Anti-Terrorism/Anti-Piracy Program at US Navy International Training Center- USA. He made official visits to Mongolia, Saudi Arebia, Iran, Indonisia and India representing Sri Lanka. He held very responsible appointments ashore and on-board ships including command of 5 ships and 6 bases. He has also held key appointments like Director Naval Inspectorate, Senior staff officer Projects & Plans and senior staff officer Hydrography, Captain Operation Department (East), Head of Naval Research Wing, Naval Officer In-Charge Welisara, Naval Officer In-Charge Trincomalee South, Deputy Area Commander in North Western Naval Area, Director Naval Administration, Director General Administration, Area Commander in Southeastern Naval Area and his last appointment was Area Commander in North Central Naval Area. Presently, he is holding the responsibilities as the Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy and the Joint Chief Hydrographer to the Government of Sri Lanka.
His research book titled “A view from the International Maritime Boundary Line. India - Sri Lanka” was published and launched on 28th April 2016 at Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters. His articles titled “Indo – Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line”, “Maritime Terrorism vs. Piracy” “SWOT Analysis to become Sri Lanka a Maritime Hub”, “Sethusamudram Canal project” and case study in SAR mission in IMBL were published in Sri Lanka Navy bi annual journal. Further, his articles titled “Marine pollution and environmental damage in the Gulf of Mannar” and the “India, China and US in the Indian Ocean Region. A view from the pearl of the Indian Ocean” were published in India, in CDM Defence Management Journal and the China Watchers Club magazine respectively. Further, he conducted two hours lecture series on "International Maritime Boundry Line and it's issues" covering officers of all 07 Commands, in the Navy. Recently he initiated publishing of “Kachchtive and Maritime boundary of Sri Lanka” by Mr. WT Jayasinghe. He was awarded with a commendation letter by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy for his dedicated writing ability.
He is good in racket games and keen to play Tennis. He secured the novices championship trophy in 2012 at Inter Command Tennis tournament. He is married to Mrs Champa a Government teacher and is the father of a 12 years old son Isuru.