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ශ්‍රී ලංකා යුද්ධ හමුදාව

ජාතියේ ආරක්ෂකයා

President Awards PWV Gallantry Medals; Third National Victory Day Parade Salutes Invaluable Sacrifices of War Heroes

The unflagging courage and dignity of War Heroes, who selflessly contributed to Sri Lanka’s success story over the long-drawn-out terrorism, received a glowing tribute Saturday (19) morning when President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces posthumously awarded the highest gallantry medal, ‘Parama Weera Vibushanaya’ (PWV) to fifteen more War Heroes of our times during the third National Victory Day parade at Galle Face Green.

The National Victory Day parade, a landmark commemorative event that recollects the unbelievable win over brutal terrorism and numerous sacrifices, associated with it, is now an annual event in Sri Lanka, together with a series of island-wide commemorative ceremonies that began early this month after the government dedicated it as the ‘Ranaviru’ month.

This year’s parade assumed special significance and prominence since some 13,680 War Heroes who decisively fought in the North (Jaffna column), Wanni (centre, western and eastern columns) and Eastern Humanitarian Operations (eastern column) with their respective commanding officers and mechanized columns, took part in the parade, showcasing their unflinching determination, continuing dedication and commitment for defence of their motherland. A batch of 195 differently able War Heroes of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, joining the march past reminded the spectators of the grim face of the war that plagued this island-nation for over 30 years.   

Sri Lankan military men, who added a new global dimension to the myth that terrorism could not be wiped out militarily, are now fully engaged in the daunting task of reconciling and re-building after promoting confidence and understanding among all ethnicities

Saturday’s National Victory Day parade with a galaxy of religious leaders, distinguished statesmen, administrators, secretaries, diplomats and other dignitaries, including His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Chief Guest on the occasion, consisted of Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence Force personnel and their supportive ordnance, used widely during Humanitarian Operations in the fight against terrorism. Naval fleet at sea as well as Air Force fighting craft during the ceremony displayed their talents, reminding all the attendees of their share of contribution to the fight against terrorism, three years ago.

The grandeur of the march past, presented by War Heroes of Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Defence Force as well as the display of tri-service mechanized columns, naval fleet in the opposite seas and Air Force fighting craft in the skies, added magnificence and colour to the occasion.

The compartmentalization of the entire parade, commanded by Major General J.C Rambukpotha into separate Eastern column, Jaffna column, Wanni Central, Western and Eastern columns offered the spectators a broader view of the heroic troops.            

The programme commenced sharp at 7.30 a.m. in the morning. The stage was set for the spectacular and mammoth show of the day as the Inspector General of the Police, Commander of the Air Force, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Army, Chief of Defence Staff, Secretary Defence and Urban Development and his spouse, Chief Justice, Speaker and his spouse arrived at the venue in succession and were welcomed warmly by designated officers of the Police, Air Force, Navy and Army, before the Secretary Defence and Urban Development, Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa was received by the CDS, Tri-Service Chiefs and the IGP. All of them greeted the Speaker afterwards as scheduled.     

Seconds after that, the arrival of His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, together with First Lady Mrs Shiranthi Rajapaksa, was heralded as members of the Army cultural troupe commenced blowing traditional trumpets.

Secretary Defence and Urban Development, Chief of Defence Staff, Army, Air Force and Navy Commanders and the IGP upon receipt of both the President Rajapaksa and the First Lady conducted the President to hoist the National Flag inaugurating the day’s proceedings. Blowing of traditional conch shells, amidst beating of auspicious drums (Magul Bera) signaled the formal inauguration of the day’s event as President Rajapaksa hoisted the National Flag. Lined up Tri service, Police and Civil Defence Force members afterwards recited the National Anthem and paid the Nation’s tribute, giving pride of place to the country.

The next moment was solemn and dignified as the mammoth gathering rose to feet paying their respect to the memory of all fallen War Heroes by way of a one-minute silence. The gesture took all present at the occasion down on the memory lane and recalled invaluable sacrifices of those War Heroes who dedicated their today for our tomorrow.

The ceremony turned more dignified as the clock struck 8.15 a.m. The military ceremony got off the ground with the Presidential Salute, to be followed by the 21 Gun Salute, awarded to the President while all invitees remained standing.

Deviating from the traditional routine, President Rajapaksa atop a special open jeep along with Chief of Defence Staff, Army, Navy and Air Force Commanders and the overall parade Commander Major General Rambukpotha afterwards went to inspect the parade troops, lined up at Galle Face green after the overall parade Commander reported to the President.    

The triumphant mood of the Nation’s hard-fought victory over LTTE terrorism reached its zenith as President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Chief Guest on the occasion began to address the Nation.

President afterwards took his position on the special dais along with the CDS, Army, Navy and Air Force Commanders and the IGP honoured the memory of 15 fallen War Heroes of the Tri services (13 Army, 1 Navy and 1 Air Force) by posthumously awarding the most prestigious ‘Parama Weera Vibhushanaya’ gallantry award to the next of kin of those 15 War Heroes after reading out the citations. (See below for particulars and separate citations of those War Heroes)   

The grandeur of the March Past, presented by Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence Force War Heroes as well as the display of mechanized columns, support weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, sophisticated missiles of the tri-services and the Police added more prominence to the day’s event. Of them, Army de-miners, signalers, veterinary unit with sniffing dogs, artillery, mechanized infantry, engineer equipment and other armed units of the Navy and Air Force who stood a tower of strength to fighting troops, drew the attention of the gathering as it provided a new spectacle that caused interest and curiosity. The mechanized column parade and the parachute show also robbed the attention as the day’s programme was drawing to a close.

Presentation of the salute by wheel-chair ridden War Heroes sustained injuries in the battlefields, needless to mention, touched heart and soul of all those present on the occasion. They received an overwhelming standing ovation on the occasion as they went past the main dais and the invitees.

Navy and Air Force displays in the seas and air across the Galle Face green offered the most thrilling experience with tri-service parachutists descending from a height of about 6000 feet as rhythmic beats began rending the air with soothing melodies. Brigadier N. Dharmaratne served as second in command of the parade.

Religious dignitaries, Senior Ministers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, Diplomats, Ex-Defence and Police Chiefs, Secretaries, Provincial Ministers and Councilors, Chiefs of Staff in Army, Navy and Air Force, Senior DIGs, Director, Civil Defence Force, Senior Army, Navy and Air Force Officers, Media personnel and a massive gathering of invitees graced the occasion.

The unsung War Heroes of our times who were honored posthumously with ‘Parama Weera Vibhushanaya’ gallantry are as follows;

O/64314   Maj  JAL    Jayasinghe WWV  3 SF
 

Major JAL Jayasinghe WWV, the Officer Commanding of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol of the Special Forces together with a small team entered the enemy ground stealthily in Oddusudan through their defence line on 20th November 2008 with the aim of destroying LTTE terrorists who were gathering to attend the ‘’LTTE heroes day’’ commemorations.

Major JAL Jayasinghe WWV along with his group marched about forty kilometers into the enemy-held territory in a tactical manner and reached Mankulam - Oddusudan road where they launched their operational plan. However, this officer suddenly fell sick and whilst having a rest in the close proximity, his troops launched an attack on a group of terrorists. Surprisingly, the group of terrorists retaliated the attack and launched a severe counter attack encircling his troops.

Though his own life was endangered, having all his troops encircled by the enemies in the battlefield, even though he has had the opportunity of evading towards the rear, this fearless and brave warrior disregarded his own sickness while displaying the true leadership of a commander and fought back gallantry together with his troops against the enemy.

During this fatal and fierce battle, he sustained serious injuries, but this valiant officer encouraged and led his subordinate soldiers, utilizing the best of his exceptional skills received under training, exclusive to him and relentlessly fought against the enemy.

Amidst heavy enemy fire, this brave officer inched his way crawling very closer to the enemy with the sole determination of safeguarding the lives of his fellow soldiers and whilst he was assaulting the enemy with a heavy gunfire, he received gunshot injuries on his head and succumbed to injuries. Thus, the last breath of his life was released to the air sacrificing his youth and life in the name of Mother Lanka.   
    
O/64314 Major JAL Jayasinghe WWV of Special Force Regiment, for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

O/64743  Maj KA  Gamage  1 SF (Posthumous)
 

Maj KA Gamage volunteered to command a contingent of Special Force soldiers who were tasked to liberate the civilian population who were kept held as hostages by the LTTE that was on the verge of defeat in the Wanni Humanitarian Operations.

This officer who analyzed the situation closely in a very precise manner, in the midnight on 19th April 2009, suddenly broke into the security bund erected by the LTTE, with his troops and launched a surprise attack capturing the bund. Whilst embarking on a formidable journey, crossing over enemy ditches and the lagoon, they attacked the enemy bunker line and succeeded in capturing the Defence line of the LTTE.

This officer pioneered to identify terrorist groups correctly who were attacking the security forces whilst hiding amongst innocent civilians and destroyed terrorist elements without causing any damage to the civilians. Ultimately, he liberated thousands of civilians who remained detained by the LTTE as hostages.

Whilst fighting to liberate the innocent civilian population from the LTTE iron hand, this brave war hero on 20th April 2009 bade adieu to the Nation making his mission a successful and historic one.

Maj KA Gamage of Special Forces Regiment for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

O/65746   Capt    UGAS    Samaranayake  9 GW (Posthumous)
 

Whilst the offensive operation to capture Pudukudiirippu Town, a very powerful stronghold of the LTTE, was in progress, a very intense counter terrorist attack struck on 02nd March 2009 to recapture the areas that had been captured by the Army. Captain UGAS Samaranayake, together with his troops having estimated the situation well broke into the enemy and assaulted them with a heavy gunfire, but he got severely injured in the encounter.
    
Though the strength of his body was fast deteriorating following severe bleeding injuries, the will-power and morale of this heroic officer was at the peak. This officer without considering his own grave situation gave leadership to his troops in the warfront until his troops consolidated their power in the area. This brave officer ultimately laid his life due to aggravation of bleeding injuries after having fulfilled his noble mission in the name of his beloved Motherland.                      
    
O/65746 Captain UGAS Samaranayake of the Gemunu Watch, for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

O/66514    Capt   HGMKI   Meghawarna  9 GW (Posthumous)
 

In the operation launched to liberate Pudukuduiriuppu area, one of the strongholds of the LTTE terrorists, Capt HGKMI Meghawarna on 2nd March 2009, gathered as a platoon commander together with his men for the mission, entrusted to him.

Capt HGKMI Meghawarna whilst advancing along the front line in the battlefield led his subordinate soldiers courageously with the aim of fulfilling the mission. The target enemy ground was captured during the operation while directing successful retaliating enemy attacks.

However, this Officer got critically injured due to intense battles between the two sides. Though he took timely action to evacuate injured soldiers of his platoon for medical treatment, he did not evade the battlefield but continued to fight against the enemy while being with his soldiers and safeguarding the lives of his platoon.

Due to severe injuries sustained, he finally heaved his last breath to the air in the battlefield, having fulfilled his incomparable mission towards his force and the integrity of the Nation.

Capt HGKMI Meghawarna of the Gemunu Watch for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

S/511904    Sgt    Bandara   HGS  4 VIR (Posthumous)
 

At the final stage of the Wanni Humanitarian Operations, whilst the operations were in full swing to capture the Nandikadal Lagoon area, the last stronghold of the LTTE terrorists, a small eight member team of soldiers under the command of Sergeant Bandara HGS was engaged in laying an ambush in a small islet in Nandikadal area on 17.05.2009.

The group including Sergeant Bandara HGS had to face a terrorist group of more than 150 cadres. However, Sergeant Bandara HGS with his small group launched a fierce attack on the enemy with the maximum fire power, even though it was a great danger and a risk to launch an attack against a big force of the enemy in this manner.  

All the members of the group including Sergeant Bandara HGS were critically injured due to the heavy fire of the large terrorist group. Whilst leading the battle, he took action to evacuate  injured soldiers to the rear for medical attention and went on fighting continuously displaying excellent fighting spirits with the support of reinforcement troops, without considering the security of his own life, though he had the opportunity to withdraw to the rear for medical treatment.

Sergeant Bandara HGS succeeded in this way to totally repulse the terrorist attack. However, at the end of the battle, the condition of this warrior turned was critically weak due to excessive bleeding and he became a war hero by making the supreme sacrifice in the warfront while fighting to safeguard the sovereignty of the Nation.

S/511904 Sergeant Bandara HGS of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

S/513841    Cpl    Suranga   PN   1 VIR (Posthumous)
 

11th August 2006 marked another milestone in the history of war between the Government Security Forces and the LTTE, on which date the LTTE terrorists launched a massive attack on the Muhamale forward defence line of the security forces and captured a line of bunkers. Cpl Suranga PN was a key member of the victorious operation that was afterwards launched to recapture the bunker line on the very same day.

He contributed enormously as an RPG handler in attacking the bunkers captured by the LTTE taking accurate targets and destroying them, together with terrorists who were by then advancing forward to attack the recaptured bunkers.

Hostilities escalated again on 14th August 2006 in the same area, where this gallant soldier, together with his troops become engaged in fighting against the enemy. In the encounter, he had used all the RPG bombs available with him. With the sole purpose of protecting the lives of his comrade- soldiers in the face of the enemy, this valiant warrior holding a hand grenade on his own broke into the enemy group, who were firing the security forces and exploded it causing a heavy damage to the terrorists and laid his life.

A large number of terrorists were destroyed due to the deliberate and brave act of this soldier. He volunteered to perform this unparalleled feat for the liberation of the Motherland.

S/513841 Cpl Suranga PN of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

S/462696    Cpl    Chandrasiri Bandara    DMS  2 SF (Posthumous)
 

With the aim of smashing the forward march of the Security Forces engaged in the Wanni Humanitarian Operation, LTTE terrorists on 3rd February 2009 launched a heavy attack on the Security Forces.

Along with this heavy attack, a vehicle laden with powerful explosives, together with suicide cadres was driven towards the forward defence line of the Security Forces in order to pave way for the terrorists to break into the defence line and cause a heavy damage to the security forces and enter the area, dominated by the own troops.  

Cpl Chandrasiri Bandara DMS, who was engaged in the battle, having well realized this imminent disaster broke into the pathway of the explosive-laden vehicle and assaulted it with RPG fire. However, it was not activated. At this crucial moment, this brave warrior having understood the damage that would cause to his own troops, with no regard to his own life and also having well reached that he would die in the attack, without any retreating to defend his own life and with the intention of safeguarding the lives of his comrades, suddenly loaded one more bomb into the gun and attacked the vehicle that was fast approaching towards him.

The entire explosive-laden vehicle was destroyed, together with all the terrorists. Cpl Chandrasiri Bandara DMS sacrificed his youth and life for the sovereignty of the Nation as a true patriotic Son of Mother Lanka.

S/462696 Cpl Chandrasiri Bandara DMS of Special Force Regiment, for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

S/410053    Cpl    Pushpa Kumara PMN  7 GW (Posthumous)
 

In order to stall the operation launched on 01.02.2009 to liberate A35 road from the clutches of the LTTE, a fierce attack was launched by the enemy.

It was very intense situation, in which many members of the security forces were injured while another considerable number was killed in action as the scenario was turning much advantageous to the enemy.  

Whilst the terrorists were advancing towards injured soldiers, together with heavy gunfire, Cpl Pushpakumara PMN with scant regard to his own life and security, though he had the opportunity to retreat and ensure his own security, broke into the enemy voluntarily with a claymore bomb strapped to his body and exploded it destroying a large number of terrorists for the sole purpose of safeguarding the lives of his comrade soldiers.

In achieving the noble mission of protecting the lives his comrades in battle and safeguarding the sovereignty of his Motherland, this heroic soldier laid his life in the battle-front.

S/410053 Cpl Pushpakumara PMN of the Gemunu Watch for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

S/467722    L/Cpl    Chandana   K  3 SF (Posthumous)
 

A tiny group of six members of the Special Force Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol including L/Cpl Chandana K inched their was forty kilometers in the battlefield in a tactical and clandestine manner before laying an ambush on Mankulam - Kilinochchi road and destroyed two powerful LTTE top-rung leaders.
    
While the team was withdrawing, having achieved their operational aim, they faced a heavy enemy resistance on Mankulam - Thunukkai road, where L/Cpl Chandana K become engaged in a face-to-face battle with the enemy without considering dangers posed to his own life and security but with the sole intention of safeguarding the lives of his comrades.

Whilst L/Cpl Chandana K was providing covering fire to evacuate an injured soldier to a safer place, he received severe gunshot injuries. This brave warrior, who realized his team leader, a sergeant, would be injured and captured by the enemy, disregarding the risk to his own life and security fought against the enemy and sacrificed his life with the sole objective of safeguarding his leader.

He voluntarily faced the enemy to receive firing bullets that were directed to destroy his comrades and sacrificed his life for protection of his own comrades and the beloved Motherland. The entire nation is indebted to a war hero of this exceptional nature and his memory is thus immortalized.  
    
S/467722 L/Cpl Chandana K of Special Force Regiment, for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

S/317077    L/Cpl    Abeysinghe    AMMP   8 SLLI (Posthumous)
 

On 25th June 2008 the special operation in the Wanni Humanitarian Operation launched to capture Thunukkai forward defence circle of the LTTE was in progress. The special offensive operational section, including L/Cpl Abeysinghe AMMP launched a surprise heavy assault on enemy bunkers and destroyed seven bunkers together with terrorists.
    
While this special team was continuously advancing to the forefront, having noticed a line of enemy bunkers erected surreptitiously, L/Cpl Abeysinghe AMMP, who was in the front position, disregarding risks to his own life and security, broke into the bunker line area and attacked them with a heavy RPG fire and destroyed all the terrorists. He was severely injured in this encounter. However, this heroic soldier whilst fighting fearlessly disregarding his injuries, perceived the looming threat to his own life and his fellow soldiers from a terrorist bunker abruptly broke into it and exploded a bomb inside which resulted in loss of his own life and destruction of all the terrorists in the bunker.  

L/Cpl Abeysinghe AMMP of Sri Lanka Light Infantry laid his life voluntarily having rendered his mission as a true patriotic, heroic soldier while safeguarding the territorial integrity of his beloved Motherland.

S/317077 L/Cpl Abeysinghe AMMP, for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

S/319509    Pte    Dayananda   EGDR  8 SLLI (Posthumous)
 

Pte Dayananda EGDR participated in the special operation launched on 16th September 2008 to capture Kilinochchi - Akkarayankulam main supply route of the terrorists.

A heavy LTTE attack with the use of mortar and artillery was launched on the Security Forces who were advancing forward, the following day. Whist increasing the intensity of the attack,  similar to unbroken waves, the terrorists attempted to break into the liberated area. Pte Dayananda EGDR, who realized the imminent disaster to his vulnerable comrade-soldiers acted promptly and retaliated with his MPMG firearm and defended the impending massive damage to his own troops. Whilst he was pursuing and attacking the enemy, this heroic soldier sacrificed his life in an enemy attack. His voluntary supreme sacrifice for the sake of security of his own force is a blessing to the pride of the Nation and the Motherland.

S/319509 Pte Dayananda EGDR of Sri Lanka Light Infantry, for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

S/197405    Rec    Rathnayake RMDM  6 SLLI (Posthumous)
 

In the decisive operation launched on 11th May 2009 to cross over 300 meters in the Nandikadal Lagoon to liberate  thousands of innocent civilians who were detained as a human shield by LTTE terrorists. Rec Rathnayake RMDM had been a forefront member of the initial group that participated in the operation.  
    
During this crucial battle in the Wanni Humanitarian Operation, this gallant soldier as a front line attacker contributed enormously to capture the terrorists’ forward defence circle. This soldier, who noticed suicide boats of the LTTE proceeding ahead, having well realized the risk, with the objective of protecting the lives of his comrade-soldiers with no regard to his life, attacked an advancing boat towards him and destroyed it. In this historic battle at the Nandikadal Lagoon, on 11th May 2009, Rec Rathnayake RMDM of Sri Lanka Light Infantry bade adieu to Nation for ever as a real heroic soldier, patriotic and loyal to his Mother Lanka.

S/197405 Rec Rathnayake RMDM, for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”.

S/198852    Rec    Abeyrathnebanda   AMBHG  21 SLSR (Posthumous)
 

Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG was a member of a small group of eight soldiers who were tasked to conduct a special operation on 29.01.2009 to destroy a well-secured bunker of the LTTE that was repeatedly used to attack the Security Forces.

Without considering the danger of the enemy ground where anti personnel mines and traps had been laid, this small group including Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG reached their target in a tactical and secret manner and sprang an attack on the enemy bunker. The fight between the LTTE and the Security Forces became very tense due to reprisal LTTE attacks. Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG got critically injured due to gunshot injuries, sustained in the battle.

However, this battle-oriented soldier did not want to give up his mission and continued to fight with courage and valour. Having sensed, his comrade-soldiers would be surrounded and assaulted by the terrorists, this heroic soldier disregarding risk to his own life and security broke into the enemy territory and exploded a hand grenade ending his own life and lives of terrorists around him. He thus, sacrificed his life and youth for the sovereignty of the Motherland whilst protecting the lives of his comrades.

S/198852 Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, for his individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order, performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy whilst on active service, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of his force, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”

PO  KG  Shantha  XX31243  (Posthumous)
 

A flotilla of LTTE Sea Tiger Attack Craft and Suicide Craft launched a marauding attack on a fleet of Sri Lanka Naval Craft in the seas off Point Pedro on 01st November 2008. Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Boat Squadron and Rapid Action Boat Squadron countered the enemy attack and Petty Officer KP Shantha, officer-in-charge of Z 142, fought the enemy heroically with no regard to the risks to his own life. Utilizing his skills and training, unique and very special to them, this bold sailor commanded his craft in the midst of eminent danger, using his instinct and wisdom, encouraging his fellow sailors, disregarding the risk to own life and security, with the objective of safeguarding thereby the lives of his comrades.

Repulsing the heavy enemy offensive attack bravely, this courageous senior sailor ultimately sacrificed his life intercepting the enemy suicide craft, which was approaching towards his comrades’ vessel P 164, by guiding his own craft across the enemy’s path head-on, thereby destroying it in an explosion which also claimed his own life. For his individual act of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order performed voluntarily in the face of the enemy, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of his comrades and facilitating the operational aim of SLN, PO KG Shantha XX 31243, is hereby posthumously awarded the “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya”

(01502)   Wing Commander  TDS  Silvapulle (Posthumous)
 

On 17 December 1999, two MI 24 helicopters were detailed to engage the enemy boats which were attacking the Forward Defence Line of Sri Lanka Army  in the general area of  “Thamilamadam”,  South East of Elephant Pass. Wing Commander TDS Silvapulle who was flying the MI 24 helicopter CH 618 led the formation.

Having promptly analyzing the threat of the enemy boats to Sri Lanka Army, the threat posed to his helicopter by the enemy’s capability to attack with surface to air missiles and adverse weather conditions, Wing Commander TDS Silvapulle, instructed the wingman to remain away from danger and proceeded to attack the enemy.

The daring attack against the enemy was successful and the eyewitness reports confirmed that the enemy boats were fleeing from the areas as they could not sustain the firepower of Wing Commander TDS Silvapulle’s attack.

However, the helicopter was hit with a projectile fired from one of the enemy boats, which may have been a surface to air missile causing the helicopter to crash.

The brave decision of Wing Commander TDS Silvapulle to attack the enemy knowing the threat posed by surface to air missiles and the risk to his own life is to be thus commended with the awarding of “Parama Weera Vibhushanaya” in his honour.