Maj. Gen. Gemunu Kulathunga (retd) bids adieu

Major General G P Kulathunga RSP USP (Retd), who passed away on 15 April 2003 was a source of encouragement and inspiration to the Army and remained an ardent and dedicated believer in the Sri Lankan nation, its culture, its territorial integrity and sovereignty, says Commander of the Army, Lt. Gen. L. P Balagalle RWP RSP VSV USP ndc IG in a Special Part 1 Order issued in connection with Major General Kulathunga\'s demise.

The military funeral of the late Major General G. P Kulathunga RSP USP (Retd) at the General cemetery on Saturday (19) was attended by Commander of the Army and a host of senior Officers, Other Ranks, friends and a representative gathering. He was 61 years of age at the time of his demise and leaves his wife, one daughter and two sons.

His cremation, a deviation from the usual funeral norms saw the spirited rendition of the two popular melodies, \"Danno Budunge\" and \"Me Sinhala Apage Ratai\" while his remains were laid to rest in the pyre. That was the last wish he has had in mind which songs extol the virtues of the Buddha and sentiments of patriotism. A 13 Gun Salute in his honour was accorded by the troops of the Sri Lanka Artillery after the firing party presented arms at the conclusion of the funeral oration.

The Army\'s message of condolence was read by Brigadier S. G Karunaratne RWP RSP psc of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. It read as follows;

Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Officers and soldiers are deeply grieved at the demise of Major General GP Kulathunga RSP USP on 15 April 2003 at Kadawatha.

Born on 01 October 1941 Gemunu Perakum Kulathunga had his education at Royal College Colombo, where he excelled as a brilliant student and a sportsman and won the respect and affection of the College Staff and students for his leadership qualities. He represented College in Rugby and Rowing. He was the Lance Sergeant in the Senior Cadet platoon and was the Editor of the College magazine.

After a successful school career, he entered the University of Ceylon in 1960 and obtained the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree. He was awarded university colours for Rugby. Maj Gen Kulathunga was directly enlisted and commissioned to the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army on 01 September 1965 and after his basic training at the Army Training Center Diyatalawa he was posted to the First Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment with effect from 25 April 1966. On reaching the age of 55 he retired from the service in 1996.

During his period of loyal service in the Army he showed prowess in combat and administrative appointments. Major General Kulathunga faced challenges with courage and determination and always had the welfare of the troops foremost in his mind. In all his duties he displayed foresight and depth in thinking to reach the ultimate goals he was tasked to achieve.

Maj. Gen. G. P Kulathunga held the following appointments and positions during his brave illustrious career.

Maj. Gen. Gemunu Perakum Kulatunga RSP USP was a source of encouragement and inspiration to the Office and Other ranks alike. This brave Office was an ardent and dedicated believer in the Sri Lanka Nation, its culture, its territorial integrity and sovereignty. His demise is a great loss not only to his family and to the Armed Forces but also to the entire Nation.

We join the family members of the late General in this moment of grief.

Though departed, his name will forever remain close to our hearts as a great son of Mother Lanka.