He always showed leadership qualities

Major General Sivashanmugam answered the call from his Master on December 1, 2018. He was born to the late Thambipillai and late Nagammah in Malaysia on July 1940. He had three brothers (who have gone beyond the veil) and a sister.

St John’s College, Jaffna, was his alma mater where he was a senior prefect and joined the school platoon of the Ceylon Cadet Corps (CCC) and was later promoted as a Company Sergeant Major. Sivashnamugam was the Leader of the College Physical Training Squad, which won the All Ceylon P.T. Championship in 1959.

He gained admission to the Veterinary Science course in the University but opted to join the Army as an Officer Cadet on 1964. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1965. In recognition of his good work Sivashanmugam was promoted as a Lieutenant in 1966, Captain in 1969, Major in 1977, Lieutenant Colonel in 1984, Colonel in 1987, Brigadier in 1988 and Major General in 1994.

He retired from the Army on 1995. He was also awarded the Uththama Seva Padakkama, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal, Sri Lanka Army 25thAnniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Army Long Services Medal with clasp and the President Inauguration Medal.

In 1977, he married Luximidevi and the couple was blessed with three sons. In addition to his Army career, he took an active part in his school activities and was the Past President of the OBA St John’s College, Jaff na. Sivash an mug am was also the Past President of the Institute of Materials and Supplies (ISMM) and the Organization of Professional Association (OPA).

When one looks at his school and professional career he had always shown leadership qualities. He leaves behind his wife Luximidevi, sons Shankar, Mohan, Yohan and grandchildren Ethan, Amelia and daughters-in-law Nilusha Melisa, and brother-in-law Ravichandran.

Siva was my classmate from 1955 and a close friend of our family. His last rites were held on December 5 at the General Cemetery Kanatte with full military honours.

May the Good Lord grant him eternal rest.