Major General J.B Pagoda (Rtd) of the Sri Lanka Army after a brief illness passed away at the Colombo National Hospital on Sunday (25).
Here is the Special Part I Order issued by the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya in connection with his death;
Major General J.B Pagoda (Rtd)
It is with an intense feeling of profound sorrow, explicit sincerity and wholehearted emotions the Commander of the Army, Officers and all other ranks express their immense grief on the demise of Major General J.B Pagoda on 25th July 2010 at the General Hospital, Colombo.
Major General Jayatissa Bandara Pagoda was born on 7th October 1935 at Atalugama. He was educated at Ruwanwella Central College.
Major General Jayatissa Bandara Pagoda was enlisted to the Regular Force of the Ceylon Army and Commissioned into 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry on 10th May 1963. He followed basic military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa.
Due to his dedication to duties in all fields of military activities, he was promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant on 10th November 1964, Captain on 1st December 1967 and to the Major on 1st June 1973. He retired from active service on 30th June 1981. Thereafter, he was promoted to the Rank of Major General on 06th October 1990 by a special cabinet decision and retired on the same date.
Major General Jayatissa Bandara Pagoda held the following appointments during his tenure of office in the Ceylon Army and subsequently in the Sri Lanka Army.
Company Commander of 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry
Officer Commanding – Army Headquarters Battalion
During the Service in the Ceylon Army, he served as a United Nations Military Observer in India & Pakistan Line of Control in 1965.
During his service in the Army, he has successfully completed junior Command Course in Mahow, India.
In recognition of his dedicated service, efficiency and loyalty, he was decorated with the following medals.
Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Service Medal 1972
Sri Lanka Army 25th Anniversary Medal 1974
Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal 1979
President Inauguration Medal 1978
We are extremely distressed on the demise of Major General Jayaissa Bandara Pagoda who had been a source of encouragement and inspiration to both officers and other ranks alike, His demise is an irreparable loss not only to the family members but also to the Sri Lanka Army. The Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and all ranks join the family members of the late Major General Jayatissa Bandara Pagoda in their hour or grief.
The last rites of this senior officer with full military honours will be held at the General Cemetery, Borella at 1530 hrs on 29th July 2010.
Though departed, your name will for ever remain close to our hearts as a great patriot of Mother Lanka.
