With an extreme feeling of deep sorrow, sincerity and wholehearted emotional sympathy, the Commander of the Army, Officers and all Other Ranks express their sadness on the demise of Major General DRAB Jayatilake RWP RSP VSV USP Ldmc on 18th August 2012.
Dukganna Ralalage Aruna Bandara Jayatilake was born on 09th August 1958 in Matale. He studied at St Anthony’s College Katugastota and Government Science College Matale, where along with his distinguished education he shone in many sports during his school career, especially in athletics, karate and was a dynamic character in all aspects.
DRAB Jayatilake had decided to answer to the call of the country and serve the Motherland and his Nation. Having enlisted in the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 03rd July 1978 to Intake 11 of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on 10th April 1980. Young robust 2nd Lieutenant DRAB Jayatilake selected the path of soldiering in the family of infantry for his career in the military field and was posted to 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
Due to his dedication and commitment towards duties in all fields of military activity, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 10th October 1981, Captain on 04th October 1984, Major on 10th October 1988. His outstanding performance was rewarded by his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 01st February 1994, Colonel on 06th June 1997, Brigadier on 02nd December 2001 and Major General on 06th August 2006.
The basis for his being clear headed, logical and intelligent in task assigned to this officer was improved from various local and overseas courses he followed as shown below.
| Senior Tactics Course |
Army Training School
Diyatalawa and Maduru Oya
|
| Commando Officers Course |
India |
| Young Officers Course |
India |
| Junior Command Course |
India |
| Infantry Officers Advance Course |
United States of America |
| Senior Command Course |
India |
| Long Defence Management Course |
India |
| International Peace Seminar (IPSBP) |
United Kingdom |
| APCSS Executive Course |
United States of America |
| 35th Pacific Army Management Seminar |
Singapore |
The knowledge he gained from the courses he followed and the experience he acquired over the years enabled him to make significant contribution to the Sri Lanka Army.
He imparted his knowledge and experience to the success of his Regiment in particular and the Army in General. From the beginning of Major General DRAB Jayatilake’s military career, he has rendered an invaluable service to the Army and the Nation during his distinguished military career of 34 years.
He held the following appointments during his tenure of service in the Sri Lanka Army.
| Platoon Commander |
1st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment |
| Company Commander |
1st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment |
| Adjutant |
1st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment |
| Staff Officer II |
Directorate of Personnel Administration – AHQ |
| Regimental Adjutant |
Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment |
| Commanding Officer |
1st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
9th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment |
| Centre Commandant |
Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment |
| Colonel General Staff |
3 Division |
| Commander |
224 Brigade
512 Brigade
Area Headquarters Kandy |
| Director Training |
Army Headquarters |
| Director Infantry |
Army Headquarters |
| Brigadier General Staff |
Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna |
| Commander |
Forward Maintenance Area East |
| Adjutant General |
Army Headquarters |
At the time of his demise he was holding the appointments of Commandant Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, President Army Buddhist Association and Colonel of the Regiment Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
His sound military knowledge, dedication and commitment to work, coupled with the gentlemanly qualities which were charismatic stood this infantry officer in good stead for the performance of his duties in the appointments he held, bringing credit to his Regiment and to the Sri Lanka Army.
Major General DRAB Jayatilake was a capable and effective military leader blessed with professional competency. He was awarded the following medals in honour of his enormous contribution to the Sri Lanka Army.
| Poorna Bhoomi Padakkama |
| Sri Lanka Armed Service Long Service Medal |
| 50th Independence Anniversary Medal |
| Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal |
| North and East Operational Medal |
| Rana Wickrama Padakkama |
| Rana Sura Padakkama |
| Uththama Seva Padakkama |
| Eastern Humanitarian Operation Medal |
| Northern Humanitarian Operation Medal |
| Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya |
The demise of Major General DRAB Jayatilake has drawn a curtain of gloom. He leaves behind his beloved family members, friends, brother officers, soldiers and the Nation whom he served with dedication and patriotism. To them we extend our sincere condolence with its simplicity clothed in kindness, honesty and endless thought in an appreciation of a gentleman officer, friend and brother he was. His passing away definitely is an irreparable loss to his family, the service he represented and the country he served. At this moment the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and all ranks join the family members of the Late Major General DRAB Jayatilake in their hour of grief.
Though departed, his name will forever remain close to our hearts as a great patriot of Mother Lanka.
MAY HE ATTAIN NIBBANA
Major General D.R.A.B Jayatilake, more popularly known as ‘Aruna’ in the Army, is no more. He was holding the appointments of Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF), Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) and President, Army Buddhist Association at the time of his untimely death on Saturday (18). 
