22nd May 2025 15:19:50 Hours
The military funeral of Late Colonel A.I Ranasinghe (Retd) of the Gemunu Watch, who had served the country for more than 31 years, took place on Wednesday (21) afternoon at the General Cemetery, Dadalla.
In accordance with military traditions, troops received the remains, offering a salute near the cemetery entrance before placing the coffin on the gun carriage, draped with the National Flag.
As the funeral procession reached the main entrance to the cemetery, a representative gathering of Senior Officers formally received the coffin and began to inch their way towards the crematorium, with all of them, together with family members, lined up behind the coffin.
The formal Special Part I Order, issued by the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, was then read out to the mourners. Troops, in conformity with military traditions, then saluted the deceased, presenting a symbolic Riffle salute, upon his demise.
Minutes after the Last Post, the bugle call that signifies a soldier's final rest, was sounded, the remains were taken to the crematorium.
Following this solemn moment, Major General W.B.J.K Wimalaratne RWP RSP, the Director General Infantry and the Colonel of the Regiment of the Gemunu Watch, presented the bereaved family with decorations and medals that Late Colonel A.I Ranasinghe (Retd) had earned during his illustrious career, in keeping with general traditions observed in the Armed Forces.
Senior Officers, Retired Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks, family members of Late Colonel A.I Ranasinghe (Retd) and other mourners participated in the funeral ceremony.
Here follows the Part I Order read out at the funeral:
