A quarter century of service and sacrifice

On August 8, 1999, during a period of national strife, the 17th Intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) (then Academy) was enlisted. Comprising 146 Service Cadets, including 23 Lady Cadets, this intake has spent 25 years producing distinguished officers for the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force. Their utmost commitment to the motherland is epitomised by their watchword, ‘For the Motherland forever’.

Among them, four have made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring a safer future for generations to come. As they commemorate 25 years of service, the 17th Intake remembers these fallen heroes with profound gratitude and respect.

The solemn commemoration ceremony was held on August 8 at the War Heroes’ Memorial at the KDU. The event was attended by Tri-Forces officers from the 17th Intake of KDU, along with the family members of the fallen war heroes. The names of the four fallen heroes are:

Major K.M.C.B. Karunathilake

Chaminda Karunathilake, born in Kandy and educated at Getambe MahaVidyalaya, was a brave and exceptional individual known for his presence at every significant event of Intake 17. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he voluntarily joined the Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment, aware of the dangers ahead. After completing rigorous Commando training, he became a Team Commander in Alpha Group, known by the nickname ‘Charu’.

During the LTTE’s disruption of the Mawil Aru water supply, Charu and his team were tasked with re-establishing it. Despite heavy resistance, Charu, driven by determination, advanced under intense enemy fire but was tragically struck down. Major Karunathilake, affectionately called ‘Chamiya’ by his peers, became the first member of Intake 17 to make the ultimate sacrifice in the final Humanitarian Operation, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of his comrades and in the roll of honour.

Major N.P.H.L.M.K. Narangoda

Mahesh Narangoda, affectionately known as ‘Slow’ for his calm demeanor, was a loyal friend and dedicated patriot. Hailing from Ragama and educated at Karunaratne Buddhist College, Maththumagala, Mahesh surprised many when he chose to join the Special Forces, a true testament to his deep love for his country. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he played a crucial role in key military operations.

In his final battle at the Iranamadu forward defence line, Mahesh displayed extraordinary bravery by voluntarily leading an assault on enemy positions, fully aware of the life-threatening danger. Initially declared ‘missing in action’, his body was later returned to the Sri Lanka Army. In recognition of his selfless service and courage, Major Narangoda was retrospectively nominated for the ‘Parama Weera Vibushana’, the nation’s highest military honour.

Captain H.W.R.R. Samarasinghe

Ruchira Ruvindra Samarasinghe, born on July 5, 1979 in Dompe, was a distinguished student at Ananda College, Colombo, known for his active involvement in the school cricket team and Cadet Platoon. After completing his basic academic and military training, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion Military Intelligence, despite his desire to join the Regiment of Artillery.

Captain Ruchira Samarasinghe was well-regarded by his peers and colleagues in the Intelligence Corps. Tragically, on May 4, 2008, he met with a fatal accident while en route to official duty, making the ultimate sacrifice for his country. His untimely death left his loved ones and comrades in deep shock, marking a profound loss for all who knew him.

Major D.L.D.T. Liyanage

Tharanga Liyanage was born in Panadura and received his initial education at St Mary’s College and Horana Vidyaratne College. After commissioning, Tharanga joined the prestigious Infantry Regiment, the Gemunu Watch and actively engaged in number of military operations. While serving in Mannar, he met with an untimely death when the vehicle in which he was travelling got caught in a claymore mine attack.

To quote Shakespeare: “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.” The fallen are not forgotten; they live on in the hearts of those who loved them and those for whom they gave their lives.

The post A quarter century of service and sacrifice appeared first on DailyNews.