Pioneer of 1st Battalion, the Gemunu Watch

Your devotion to duty, your determination, indefatigable spirit and love for your country, enabled you to raise the 1st Battalion, the Gemunu Watch. Today, it has grown to become one of the finest Infantry Regiments which has served the Sri Lankan state with dedication and honour for the past 57 years, and through which your legacy lives on.

Your pioneering efforts in raising the Battalion towards the end of 1962, led it to excel in operations, training, sports, agriculture, and religious activities. It built a strong bond with the local community in Diyatalawa, where you were based for over ten years. In the time that you were there, during your informal meetings with the villagers, you made it a point to look into their interests. The Battalion also had strong links with the people of Uva where you were stationed with your troops for more than 10 years. Your dedicated military service to our country for over 22 years is indelibly etched in the memory of all those who knew you.

Your vision to plant trees along the perimeter of both the Army Recruit Training Depot in 1957 (currently the Sri Lanka Military Academy), and the 1st Battalion of the Gemunu Watch in Diyatalawa from 1962, converted a windswept patna into a hospitable oasis. You also turned the Diyatalawa marsh into a serene lake for the benefit of the villagers of Ellagama, something which will always be treasured by people living in and around the area. Your efforts have contributed to making the area an environmentally friendly and picturesque place to live in today.

Your drive to excel in all endeavours entrusted to you, motivated the unit to set an exceedingly high standard and take the lead in all activities of the fledgling Army of the past. The memory of your sterling qualities of unquestionable integrity, uprightness and genuine interest in your subordinates have helped us to lead a life of quiet reflection and of happy memories.

On your 30th death anniversary which falls on November 16, you are fondly remembered by your family, relatives, friends and all the pioneering members of the proud regiment of the Gemunu Watch.