Colonel Nalinda
Kumarasinha RWP RSP
A Perfect Officer and a Gentleman
As the officers of Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (Volunteers)
including myself were extremely saddened to hear that Nalinda, one of
our former staff officers and a loving friend had made the supreme
sacrifice for Sri Lanka on January 8 in Pallai.
I first met Nalinda when he was seconded to Sri Lanka Army Medial
Corps (Volunteer) as a staff officer in March 2000. This was a results
of Sri Lanka Army's effective system of sending selected veteran
regulars as administrative officers to volunteer units which consist of
part-time soldiers like myself.
When I enquired about him from outgoing staff officer Major Keerthi
Kottewatte GW (now a Lieutenant Colonel) Keerthi simply replied "Nalinda
is a better man than me". After one year of associating with Nalinda
professionally and socially as his immediate senior officer I would give
the same reply to the same question!
Nalinda was a decorated war hero before he reached us. When he
started his administrative job in our unit he revealed his softer but
equally effective and efficient facet in dealing with matters related to
providing healthcare for the soldiers. Nalinda had unenviable job of
administering textbook volunteer unit like SLAMC (v) where most of the
officers and many senior Non commissioned officers had many
responsibilities in their civil jobs.
This necessitated him to communicate frequently with many civil
departments and institutions, which he carried out extremely well. His
natural politeness and courteousness were a real asset in this respect.
Nalinda was quick to grasp essential technical knowledge relevant to
smooth functioning of a medical unit. He was even quicker to grasp
unique character differences of medical, paramedical and nursing staff
which he had to administer. This produced a satisfying, memorable and
productive year of working together.
Nalinda always had an even temperament. I have never seen him loosing
control of himself although I can recollect many deserving incidents in
our Army life. His serious professional expression could change swiftly
into a beautiful smile when the occasion arose. He was an empathic
listener who, after hours of patient listening to a problem, would give
sound calculated advice which almost always worked. When given an order
Nalina would throw back a barrage of questions which would range from
usefulness of it, possible problems in execution and complications, a
habit which disturbed me initially but earned my respect later. Once a
senior reconfirms an order with or without necessary adjustments, he
would carry it out not only to the letter but in spirit. In execution of
a task Nalnda was a meticulous planner, a past-master of critical
thinking. He took his time to analyze things systematically and calmly
searching for all available facts. He could see many aspects of a
problem than most of us.
Nalinda was cautious to a fault. I can almost picture him saying
smilingly with a unique gesture he used to do with his hands "Sir, give
me a little time, let me think over this".
Nalinda was well versed in regulations and traditions of the services
and was brilliant at getting done almost anything we wanted within the
military framework. Possessing a remarkable sensitivity to and an
understanding of human nature he would objectively consider elements
such as effects of personal and institutional rivalries, jealousies, and
competitions in routine decision-making, a skill I owe him.
Military is a place where one routinely encounters and in fact runs
on the highest degree of brotherhood among its members. However Nalinda
had something extra in him which made everyone immediately felt
comfortable enough to discuss any intimate matters. Many officers and
other ranks benefited from valuable guidance of this officer whose
personal and professional maturity extended well beyond his
chronological age.
Nalinda was always advising other officers of the value of contended
life and necessity of doing once duty by everyone - Oneself, family,
friends and relatives as well as the Nation. He practised what he
preached. Nalinda was a devoted husband to Nilmi and a father to Nadeel
planning his family life with equal care and talent.
He was slowly and steadily improving his home circumstances while
attending to matters of his extended family up to the time of his
demise.
A Sri Lanka par excellence, a Brave officer, a brilliant
administrator, a dear friend and a devoted family man, I have to agree
with Colonel Tony Mutumala SLAMC for calling him a perfect officer and a
gentleman. Value of our life depends on with whom we share it. Dear
Nalinda, may we all serve together when we comeback to protect this
Nation again and again before reaching the final destination every
Buddhist aim for which is attainment of Nibbana!
Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) Ranjana W. Seneviratne RSP, SLAMC |