Fond & Heroic Memories of Lt Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa Honoured on His 31st Death Anniversary Day

Treasured memories of the legendary War Hero of contemporary history, late Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa were recalled and honoured on his 31st death anniversary day (8 August) in a fitting tribute at his life-size statue at Anuradhapura, the ancient kingdom that remained very close to the heart of the late colossus who is very much admired and respected by all Sri Lankans.

Tuesday’s main ceremony commenced soon after the arrival of Major General S.W.M Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Military Secretary at the location as the Chief Guest representing the Commander of the Army. Scores of grateful fellow-military personnel, veterans and peace-loving people of Sri Lanka, together with his widow, Mrs Laly Kobbekaduwa and family members were at the venue.

Religious observances, vigil mount, two-minute silence, commemorative speech, wreath-laying, sounding of the Last Post and the Reveille brought the commemorative proceedings at Anuradhapura to an end.

Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa whose leadership and command brought about many victories to the Sri Lanka Army during early battles in the Eelam wars for division of the motherland fell silent at Araly Point on 8th August 1992 along with fellow-military veterans, Major General Vijaya Wimalarathne, Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha, Lieutenant Colonel H.R Stephen, Lieutenant Colonel G.H. Ariyarathne, Lieutenant Colonel Y.N Palipana, Commander Asanga Lankathilaka, Lieutenant Colonel Nalin de Alwis, Lieutenant Commander C.B Wijepura and the soldier, Private W.J Wickremasinghe after LTTE terrorists triggered a landmine while they were crossing Araly Point in Kayts, Jaffna.

At Anuradhapura, amid solemn beats of the Army band, the day’s Chief Guest laid the first floral wreath and saluted late military veteran's golden memory before the formal military honours were presented. Mrs Laly Kobbekaduwa, family members of fallen Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, retired war veterans, Commander, Security Forces - Wanni, Commander, Security Forces - Central, Senior Officers, Officers of the late veteran's own Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Regiment, family members of fallen War Heroes at Araly Point, grateful civilians and Other Ranks joined the commemorative ceremony in the heart of Anuradhapura.