Brigadier (Retd) S. P Ekanayake USP of Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) passed away on 15 December 2014 in Colombo after a brief illness. His funeral with military honours takes place at the General Cemetery, Borella on Thursday (18) with military honours.
Here follows the Part 1 Order issued by the Commander of the Army:
Part I Order
BRIGADIER (RETIRED) S P EKANAYAKE USP
The Commander of the Army, Officers and Other Ranks express their immense grief with intense feeling and profound sorrow on the demise of Brigadier S P Ekanayake (Retired) USP, a former Regimental Commander of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, on 15 December 2014 in Colombo.
Sahampathi Piyasoma Ekanayake was born in Matale on 01 February 1938. He was educated at St Thomas’ College, Matale and Ananda College, Colombo where he excelled creditably well in his studies as well as extra-curricular activities particularly in Hockey and Cricket. He entered the University of Ceylon, Colombo and passed out having obtained his BSc Degree in 1964.
Having been enlisted to Ceylon Army, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was posted to the Ceylon Engineers on 21 August 1964.
Due to the dedication, competence and commitment displayed even as a young officer, Brigadier S P Ekanayake (Retired) USP was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 21 February 1966, Captain on 21 February 1969 and Major on 21 February 1977. His outstanding performance warranted him to be considered for higher ranks and thereby he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 10 June 1984, Colonel on 28 February 1988 and Brigadier on 01 August 1991.
Some of the distinguished appointments held by him are:
• Staff Officer Grade II (Plans), Army Headquarters
• Staff Officer Grade II (Adjutant), General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy
• Officiating Commanding Officer, 1 Field Engineer Regiment , Sri Lanka Engineers
• Coordinating Officer, Mullaitivu District
• Coordinating Officer, Kandy District
• Coordinating Officer, Anuradhapura District
• Chief Engineer, Directorate of Engineer Services
• Commander 32 Brigade Kandy
• Commander 33 Brigade Diyatalawa
• Regimental Commander, Sri Lanka Engineer Regiment
In recognition of his dedication, efficiency and loyalty, he was awarded the following medals:
Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal
Sri Lanka Army 25th Anniversary Medal
Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal
President’s Inauguration Medal
In addition to these medals, Brigadier Ekanayake was also awarded the Uththama Seva Padakkama (USP) in recognition of his un-blemished military service.
During his military career he contributed immensely to the betterment of the Army and won the admiration of his superiors as well as his subordinates. He was a source of encouragement and inspiration to Officers and Other Ranks alike. He was always held in high esteem among his peers and colleagues for his absolute integrity and forthrightness. After completing 28 years of yeoman service, he retired from military service on 31 January 1993.
The last rites of late Brigadier S P Ekanayake will be held on 18 December 2014 at 1630 hours at the General Cemetery, Borella with full military honours. We share the grief of his demise with his family. Late Brigadier S P Ekanayake (Retired) USP, though you have departed, your name and exceptional service will be remembered. Above all, you would remain a true son of Mother Lanka.
Brigadier S P Ekanayake (Retired) USP, being a proud and distinguished Officer and a Gentleman, even at his final conscious moment, would have thought deeply about his country and the institution that he served so honourably, the Sri Lanka Army.
