Col. Udayadeera rendered yeoman service to Army, athletics

Lt Colonel P.S.S.R. Udayadeera was among those who lost their lives along with Minister of Highways and Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle Sunday (6) morning at Weliweriya before the start of a Marathon race. Lt Colonel P.S.S.R. Udayadeera was posthumously promoted by the Army to the rank of Colonel in appreciation of his service to the nation.

Perumbadage Shantha Saliya Ramya Udayadeera, born on September 07, 1961 in Polgahawela, Kurunegala district, received his primary and secondary education at St Anne’s College, Kurunegala and St Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 respectively.

On completion of his education, he joined the government service as an assistant teacher of English at Trinity College, Kandy and was later trained at the reputed English Teachers’ College, Peradeniya.

During his tenure at Trinity College, P.S.S.R. Udayadeera joined the Sri Lanka Cadet Corps as a Commissioned Officer (SLCC) and led young Trinitians infusing highest tenets of discipline, enabling them to become future leaders in society.

His patriotic sentiments coupled with cadetship experience in school inspired him to join the Sri Lanka Army. The young Udayadeera joined the Infantry Regiment of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) on Nov 1, 1987 whilst simultaneously serving the Department of Education.

As an Infantry Officer he served in the operational areas for a long time holding many Grade I Staff appointments. He commanded the 11th Battalion SLSR before being posted to the Ambepussa SLSR Regimental Headquarters where he served until his fateful day.

Colonel Udayadeera also served as the Manager - Sri Lanka Team - Singapore Marathon 2003, Vice President - Technical Officials Association - AA of Sri Lanka, Vice President Kurunegala District AA, Sports Instructor (Junior Rugger & Athletic Coach), President - Kandy & Jaffna District AA, Official Recorder - AA of Sri Lanka - (1996 - 1997) and Executive Committee Member of AA of Sri Lanka between 1996-2003.

He leaves behind his wife Vishaka Samarasinghe, a teacher at Maha Maya Girls School, Kandy, the son, a grade six student at Trinity College, Kandy and a 2 1/2 year old infant daughter. His funeral with full military honours will take place at Polgahawela General cemetery shortly.