20th December 2019 19:18:41 Hours
Lieutenant General (Retd) H.V Athukorala VSV psc FBIM of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI), one of the best and most respected outstanding Officers ever produced by the SLLI and the Army passed away this morning (20) while under treatment at the Colombo Army Hospital. He was 89 years of age at the time of his demise.
His remains will lie in state at A.F Raymond Funeral Parlour in Borella for final respect starting from 12.30 noon on Saturday (21). Military funeral arrangements will take place on Monday (23) at the General Cemetery, Borella and his residential address is No 178, Hill Street, Dehiwala.
He was born on 30 November 1930 and joined the Sri Lanka Army on 30 September 1950 as a Cadet Officer and received his commissions on 31 July 1952 and retired on 30 November 1985.
Lieutenant General (Retd) Athukorala during his long and unblemished career of more than 33 years received many decorations and medals, including the Vishishta Seva Vibushana (VSV), Purna Bhumi Padakkama, etc.
More significantly, Lieutenant General (Retd) Athukorala as an Officer par excellence, in his capacity as a Lieutenant Colonel in the SLLI Regimental Headquarters, translated the SLLI Regiment’s history, and was instrumental in composing the SLLI Regimental Song.
He also held many appointments such as the Commanding Officer 1 Sri Lanka Light Infantry, Commander Task Force 1, Commandant Army Training Centre, Acting Director Personnel Administration and Commandant Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Director Army Sports Boards and was pioneering in selecting SLLI uniform regalia and other decorations. Part I Order was one of his creative productions.Running sport media | Nike News
