Major General P M S Karunaratne psc is presently serving as the Deputy Commandant of Defence Services Command and Staff College. He studied at Maliyadeva College - Kurunegala, where he actively contributed to the school rugby team, Cadet Platoon and Eastern Cadet Band. He was enlisted into the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 15 July 1993.

Upon commissioning in the rank of Second Lieutenant, he was posted to the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. Over a distinguished military career spanning more than 33 years, he has rendered exemplary service through a wide range of command, staff, and instructional appointments.

Command Appointments

Throughout his distinguished military career, Major General Karunaratne has held command appointments at various levels, exercising command over troops and formations in both operational and administrative capacities.

• Platoon Commander - 10th Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
• Company Commander - 10th Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
• Second-in-Command - 6th Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. 

Staff Appointments

In staff capacities, he has contributed to planning, coordination, policy formulation, and operational management at unit, formation, and strategic levels, both locally and internationally.

• Intelligence Officer - 10th Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
• Production Manager - Ranaviru Apparels, Yakkala.
• General Staff Officer II - Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
• Regimental Adjutant - Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
• General Staff Officer I (Operation) - 23 Infantry Division, Punani.
• General Staff Officer I (Staff Duties) - Directorate of Staff Duties, Army Headquarters.
• General Staff Officer I (Plans) - Directorate of Plans, Army Headquarters.
• Colonel (Plans) - Directorate of Plans, Army Headquarters.
• Colonel (Administration) - Directorate of Personnel Administration, Army Headquarters.
• Colonel (Administration) - Adjutant General’s Branch, Army Headquarters.
• Commandant - Abhimansala 3, Pangolla.
• Centre Commandant - Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps.
• Principal Staff Officer - Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force.
• Centre Commandant - Sri Lanka Sinha
• Deputy Chief of Civil Military Coordination - United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. 

Instructional and Training Appointments

Major General Karunaratne has played a pivotal role in shaping future military leaders by serving in key instructional and training appointments, thereby enhancing professional standards and doctrinal development within the Sri Lanka Army.

• Officer Commanding - Randeniwela Company, Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa
• Head of the Training Team (HOTT) - Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa. 

Professional Military Education

He has continuously enhanced his professional competence through local and overseas military education, reflecting a strong commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Local Courses 

• Officer Cadet Course - Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa.
• Unit Account Officer Course - Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps.
• Motor Transport Officer Course - Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Training School.
• Intelligence Officer Course - Military Intelligence Training School.
• Potential Military Observers and Staff Officer Course - International Peace Support Operation Training Institute, Sri Lanka.
• Passed Staff Course - Defence Services Command and Staff College, Batalanda.

Overseas Courses 

• Young Officers’ Course - India.
• United Nation Staff Officer Course - Malayasia. 

Other Qualifications 

• Diploma in Production Management - Phonix College of Clothing Technology.
• Masters of Public Administration - University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 

Honours and Personal Details

Major General Sanjaya Karunaratne has played a pivotal role in several meticulously planned military operations that left a profound mark on Sri Lanka’s military history. These include Operations Riviresa, Sathjaya I, Sathjaya II, and Operation Shake Hand, as well as several other limited-scale counter-terrorism operations, where he consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment and fearless dedication. He has also been awarded the Desha Puthra Sammanaya thrice for sustaining serious injuries in battle during operations against the enemy.

He is married to Mrs. Shashka Nanayakkara and is blessed with a son, Sasiru Sanujitha Karunartne and a daughter, Sanuli Manujitha Karunaratne.