Col. Suraweera was perfect gentleman, says colleague

Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO: The funeral of Colonel Jayantha Suraweera the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army, Gajaba Regiment-Saliyapura who made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation, took place yesterday at the Homagama General Cemetery with full military honours.

Colonel Suraweera and seven others were killed by LTTE terrorists last Friday during their inspection of the Wilpattu National Park.

Colonel Suraweera who was an outstanding student of Ananda college-Colombo, joined the Army as an Officer Cadet in 1985. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in April 1986.

After a glittering career and a series of promotions he was promoted to the post of Lieutenant Colonel in February 2005, in recognition of his efforts both on an off the field. Since 2006 till his untimely demise he served as the Commandant RHQ-Gemunu Regiment and as the Area Commandant of Anuradhapura.

Colonel Suraweera leaves behind his wife Anoma Suraweera and two sons Dishan Jeewantha and Ravindu Nuwantha, students of Ananda College.

According to the soldiers of Gajaba Regiment who gathered in their numbers to pay respect to their late leader, Colonel Suraweera was not only a father to his two children but was a father figure to all the military personnel who served under him. According to them, he was a perfect gentleman who always lent a sensitive ear to their grievances.

According to neighbours and relatives Col. Suraweera was a friend in need who always found time to attend to their needs despite his heavy work schedule. He was also a prominent social worker in the Homagama area.

But the hardest blow has been dealt to his beloved family. His wife Anoma Suraweera spoke with tears streaming down her face, "I am proud of my husband. He always spoke about the country and the Army.

These things were foremost in his mind. He was so committed he could not stop talking about this even at the limited time he was at home.

"My husband is a very sensitive person he always spoke about the sacrifices the soldiers make and tried to help them in whichever way possible"

According to Mrs. Suraweera, Col. Suraweera was a pioneer in organising motor cycle rallies in Anuradhapura which brought a lot of money to the Army's welfare efforts," she added.