THE ISLAND’S history, records many occasions where members of the same family joined the Armies to protect the country when the need demanded patriotic countrymen to go to the battlefield during invasions or other threats.
Some brave youths, even in the recent past never missed that opportunity and made their contributions to serve the country through soldiering.
Three such instances came to limelight at the recent passing out parade of Officer Cadets at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) in Diyatalawa when it was revealed that six brothers including twins were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Sri Lanka Army.
Palawatha Mudiyanselage Aruna Prasanna Palawatha and Palawaththa Mudiyanselage Amila Prasanna Palawaththa were twins born to Mr. P.N. Gunasena and R.M. Umawathi in Kahagolla, Diyathalawa on 25. 01.1987. Having completed their primary education at Diyathalawa Maha Vidyalaya, they attended Bandarawela Dharmapala College and Banadarawela St. Joseph’s College respectively for secondary education.
Having born and bred in a picturesque country area where energetic men in Army uniforms either on training or routine duties are regularly present, these twin brothers finely made their mind to become a part of that proud organization, dedicated for defence of the motherland and her citizens.
Ultimately, with the blessings of their widowed mother, the two brothers joined the SLMA, younger brother Amila Prasanna in the Intake SC (Short Course) 14 and elder brother Aruna Prasanna in the Intake SC 15. After their basic military training at the SLMA, Amila Prasanna went to Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) while Aruna Prasanna proceeded to the Indian Military Academy for Advanced Courses.
Both of them, upon their return to the SLMA passed out on 4th July and joined the Gemunu Watch.
D.M.D. Bandara and D.M.G. Wijebandara are two more brothers from Bandarawela area who passed put on the same day in Volunteer Intake 46.
Born on 09.11.1981, D.M.D. Bandara completed his secondary education at Bandarawela Janananda National College in Arts stream.
D.M.G. Wijebandara, the younger brother, attended St. Josehep College Bandarawela and did his Advanced Level in Commerce stream.
On completion of Advanced Level, the two brothers decided to join the veteran Officer cadre of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force to give their share for the sake of the motherland.
After passing out, D.M.D. Bandara joined the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI). D.M.D. Wijebandara’s choice was Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR).
Meanwhile, two patriotic southerners from Ambalangoda area where the present Army commander was born received their swords from the Prime Minister as Commissioned Officers of the Sri Lanka Army.
G.H.K.H. Fonseka who was born on 23.03.1981 studied at Dharmaloka College, Galle. His own brother, G.H.T.F. Fonseka who is five years younger to him also completed his secondary education at the same school.
When they reached their youth and realized that their country was in want of their service got the blessings of the family to join hands with heroes of our time.
Elder brother got his training in the Intake Volunteer 46 and was commissioned to Sri Lanka National Guard while younger brother who was an early decision-maker was selected for training in Regular Intake 66 and was posted to Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
