GR Founding Father Remembered Offering Floral Tributes

The 30th death anniversary of one of the best military leaders in the Sri Lankan Military History, who is also the founding father of the Gajaba Regiment, Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne who laid his life with Lt General Denzil Kobbekaduwa and eight others was commemorated at the Gajaba Regimental Centre, Saliyapura on 8 August under the guidance of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Colonel of the Regiment of Gajaba Regiment (GR) and Sri Lanka National Guard.

Organized under the close supervision of the Regimental Centre Commandant, Brigadier Wishwajith Vidyananda, the occasion was graced by the Commander Security Force Headquarters -Wanni Major General Champaka Ranasinghe, representing the Colonel of the Regiment, GR.

The day’s proceedings included the laying of floral wreaths to the statue of Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne and a two-minute silence which was observed in honour of the War Heroes who laid their lives for the motherland. Later, religious observances got underway with Pirith chanting inside the Buddhist temple at the GR Regimental Centre where the fallen architect of the GR was remembered and merits transferred.

Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha, Lt Col H.R Stephen, Lt Col G.H Ariyaratne, Lt Col Y.N Palipana, Commander Asanga Lankathilaka, Lt Col Nalin de Alwis, Lt Commander C.B Wijepura and Private W.J Wickremasinghe fell victim to a landmine blast at Araly Point on 08 August 1992 while they were proceeding to organize some military operations.

Deputy Commandant Colonel Rajendra Wijerathne, Commanding Officer 22 GR, and all staff officers and staff of the Regimental Centre were present at this ceremony.