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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Lt Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa &;amp; Veterans Remembered


One of the finest War Heroes in our contemporary history, late Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa was remembered on 8th August by grateful fellow-military personnel and people of Sri Lanka as 23 years have passed since his untimely death.

This year’s commemorative ceremonies and different meritorious activities as usual took place at Anuradhapura, Tanthirimale and elsewhere with the participation of Mrs Laly Kobbekaduwa and family members.

Laying of floral wreaths and presentation of military honours took place in front of the late Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa statue at the Anuradhapura town on Saturday (8). 

Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa whose leadership and command brought about many victories to Sri Lanka Army during early battles of the Eelam wars, fell silent on 8th August 1992 along with fellow-military veterans, Major General Wijaya Wimalarathne, Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha, Lieutenant Colonel H.R Stephen, Lieutenant Colonel G.H. Ariyarathne, Lieutenant Colonel Y N Palipana, Commander Asanga Lankathilaka, Lieutenant Colonel Nalin de Alwis, Lieutenant Commander C.B.  Wijepura and the soldier, Private W.J Wickremasinghe while they were on a military assignment in Araly Point, Kayts, Jaffna.

Lieutenant General Kobbekaduwa’s Regiment, Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC), had its own commemorative arrangements. Memories of the late Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, the legendary War Hero of our times, were refreshed, distributing dry rations to less fortunate in Thanthirimale, conduct of alms givings and Bodhi Poojas, Dhamma sermons, etc.

Lt Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa, an old Trinitian, joined the Sri Lanka Army on 25th May 1960. After the basic military training at the Army Training centre, he left for Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, UK for further training and was commissioned to the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps, as a Second Lieutenant on 03rd August 1962.

Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa along with several other military leaders made the supreme sacrifice when their vehicle fell victim to a pressure mine on 8th August 1992 as they were in Araly Point, Kayts, Jaffna.

Mrs Laly Kobbekaduwa and relatives of late General Kobbekaduwa were also present at the Anuradhapura military ceremony where floral wreaths were laid.