Sri Lanka’s Distinguished Military Strategist Major General Udaya Perera Joins SAFN in Washington, DC

Washington, DC (June 6th, 2025) – The South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN), an initiative under the Millennium Project, is proud to announce the appointment of Major General Udaya Perera (Retd.), a distinguished former military official from Sri Lanka, as a Senior Fellow.

With extensive experience in military strategy, diplomacy, and regional security, Major General Perera brings invaluable insight to SAFN’s mission of advancing strategic foresight and policy research across South Asia. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening SAFN’s capacity to address complex regional challenges through informed, multidisciplinary perspectives.

“We are honored to welcome Major General Perera to our team,” said Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, Executive Director, SAFN. “His leadership and expertise will enhance our work in areas such as conflict prevention, regional cooperation, and future-oriented security analysis.” This appointment reinforces SAFN’s position as a leading platform for futures research and strategic collaboration in South Asia and beyond.

Major General Udaya Annesly Perera RWP RSP VSV USP USAWC M.Sc.(Ind) M.Sc.(USA) NDU-CT(USA) psc(SL) psc(Ind) is a decorated military leader with 36 years of service in the Sri Lanka Army. Commissioned in 1981 (Intake 16), he held key appointments including Commander Security Forces – Jaffna and Kilinochchi, Director General – Military Intelligence, Director – Military Operations (2006–2009), and Commandant – Defence Services Command and Staff College. He also led the elite Air Mobile Brigade and served as Colonel of the Regiment for the Gajaba Regiment and the National Guard. He holds two master’s degrees and four postgraduate diplomas in areas such as Strategic Studies, Leadership, and Counterterrorism from prestigious institutions including the US Army War College, University of Madras, and the National Defence University (USA). He was the first Sri Lankan to receive the US Army War College Lifetime Alumni Membership Award.

As Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia, he significantly strengthened diplomatic ties, engaged the Sri Lankan diaspora, and led a successful counterterrorism operation. He introduced the Civil-Military Interdependency Concept in Northern Sri Lanka, replacing traditional models with community-focused reconciliation through Harmony Centres. An accomplished speaker and educator, he has presented at local and international forums and lectured at KDU, University of Kelaniya, and defence colleges abroad. His paper on defeating terrorism through a politico-military strategy has received global academic recognition. Post-retirement, he joined Brandix, serving as Group Head of Administration before taking on his current role as Country Head (CEO) and Director of Brandix India. He is married to Thelma and is a proud father of a daughter and a son, and a grandfather.

Major General Perera's appointment reflects SAFN’s commitment to continuing to enrich its research capabilities and foster greater international collaboration on issues critical to South Asia and global security.

For more information, please visit www.southasiaforesight.net