The 23rd death anniversary of Major General Chullabhaya Lakshman Wijayaratne of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI), more popularly called ‘Lucky’ in the Army, who died a War Hero, falls today (Dec 18). A deadly landmine explosion triggered by LTTE separatists near 10th Mile Post on Trincomalee - Anuradhapura, snuffed out his precious life on 18th December 1990 while he was serving as the Area Commander for 33 Brigade in Trincomalee.
Born to a reputed family in Galle, he studied at Mahinda College, Galle and he opted for the military service on 26th March 1964 after joining the Army as a Cadet Officer in the Sri Lanka Military Academy.
Having undergone successful initial training, he proceeded to Pakistan’s Military Academy for his advanced training and later on in a number of other military colleges both here and abroad. His high performance levels at those military training centres earned him a scholarship for a post graduate study (MSc) in strategic warfare at the Aberdeen University, Scotland.
In his military career, he began to shine since the day one he joined as a commissioned officer in the 1 SLLI. After he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 20th July 1985, he had the rare opportunity of serving appointments such as Commandant of Infantry Training School at Minneriya, Staff Officer-I at Joint Operations Headquarters, Coordinating Officer for Uva, Matara and Trincomalee, Commanding Officer, 1 SLLI, etc.
As an illustrious officer, he believed in strict discipline, commitment and dedication to achieve success in all assignments, entrusted to one and his service commitments ranked uppermost all the time.
In the battlefield, he was well endowed with a keen foresight which helped him to pre-empt many possible impending enemy attacks with the operations he meticulously planned and carried out. In fact, LTTE terrorists always felt the heat of his strong presence in the east and treated him a potential threat to their violent atrocities. Although terrorists could not take his life several times as planned, one of the deadly landmine blasts of the LTTE finished off his valiant life while he was travelling on that fateful day.
Major General Lakshman Wijayaratne’s dedication to the country received several medals and decorations, including ‘Rana Wickrama Padakkama’ (RWP), ‘Rana Sura Padakkama’ (RSP), Vadamarachchi Operations Medal, Poorna Bhumi Medal, President’s Medal, etc.
He was a true patriot of exceptional character who performed all his duties to the best of his ability with the determined intention of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country. With his untimely death, Sri Lanka Army lost a valiant battle-hardened veteran and a fellow-comrade to his near and dear ones who always recount yesteryear pleasantries and their time with him.
Separate commemorative ceremonies mark his death anniversary with the participation of his next of kin and close relatives.
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