Published on - 10/31/2005
The Army in its Part One order issued in connection with the brutal murder of Colonel T. R. Meedin, General Staff Officer 1 of the Military Intelligence Directorate, Sri Lanka Army Headquarters says that he will not be forgotten for his commitment in the war against terrorism and his significant contribution to the Nation.
Colonel T.R. Meedin was born on 27 July 1966 to a pious Islamic family at Hambanthota in Southern Sri Lanka. He was educated at St Aloysius College, Galle where he earned attention of his teachers and goodwill of his inmates. Young Meedin was a brilliant sports star in the school and represented his school in cricket and football. He was a member of the school cadet platoon and ardent debater.
To safeguard the territorial integrity of his motherland, he joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 17 March 1986. On completion of his basic Military training at Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa, T.R. Meedin was commissioned to the 3rd Battalion, Sri Lanka Light Infantry as a Second Lieutenant. To his credit, he was promoted to the next Senior rank of Lieutenant on 17 March 1989. Military Authorities identifying inner talents of young Lt Meedin, offered him the opportunity to work with the Intelligence Section of the Joint Operation Command under Ministry of Defence.
Soon he received his Captaincy on 17 March 1992 and after three years on 17 March 1995, he became a Major. He served in the Operational areas for a longer period and rendered a yeoman service on Intelligence matters that led the Army to many a success.
Major T.R. Meedin commanded the 2nd Regiment, Military Intelligence Corps (MIC) for four years until he was elevated to the next senior rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 01 May 2005. He was then appointed the Staff Officer I to the Regimental Headquarters MIC after his promotion where he held the office until he met untimely death on 30th October 2005 at a place close to his residence in Kiribathgoda, Colombo.
In recognition of his bravery and service to the Nation, the Army conferred him gallantry awards and decorations such as the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Forces Long Service Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, Deshaputhra Sammanaya, North and East Operational Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, Vadamarachchi Operational Medal and Riviresa Campaign Service Medal.
In addition to his local Military Courses, Colonel Meedin had followed Officers' Basic Intelligence Course and Intelligence Staff Course in Pakistan, Counter Insurgency Intelligence Course in Bangladesh and Junior Command Course in India.
He is a person who will not be forgotten for hi commitment in the war against terrorism and his significant contribution to the defence of the sovereignty, and unity of the Motherland. Colonel Meedin, you did not die in vain, you died in the forefront of a struggle for peace and reconciliation in the Nation. MAY ALMIGHTY ALLAH BLESS YOU, concludes the condolence message.
