14th Death Anniversary:

Colonel W. D. Gamini Fernando

Colonel W.D.G. Fernando, commanding officer, 1st Battalion, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, who was engaged in operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, in the Thiriyaya area in the Trincomalee District, in protecting the unitary State and the territorial integrity of the island of Sri Lanka was a target by a cruel bullet of the separatists, where on admission to the Trincomalee Naval Hospital, finally succumbed to his injuries on June 1,1995.

The Regimental Commander along with all the ranks in the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, do hereby express their profound grief on the sudden passing away of this senior officer.

Waduge Dasarath Gamini Fernando, received his formal education from Nalanda College, Colombo where he studied up to GCE A/Level.

He was a Sergeant of the school cadet corps and was representing the team which won the Herman Loos shield.

He joined the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as a Cadet Officer on February 6, 1980 and was admitted to the Army Training Centre, Diyatalawa to follow the Course 13.

On July 18,1981 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and from that date, he was attached to the Engineering Services Regiment. Thereafter he served as the Controlling Officer in Colombo, Anuradhapura, Mankulam and Panagoda in the Works Services Engineering Regiment.

Thereafter, he had served as Adjutant of the Regiment and at Anuradhapura, Panagoda and at Works Services Regiment Headquarters.

Later, with the expansion of the Sri Lanka Army, he was attached to the 4th Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.

After the raising of the 6th Battalion of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, he functioned as the Commanding Officer from October 17, 1990 to October 1, 1991 and functioned as Acting Commander of the 5th Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment from February 10, 1993 to August 30, 1993.

Then he was the Staff Officer at 3rd Forces Headquarters at Batticaloa from August 30, 1993 to September 30, 1993 and was the Commanding Officer of the 1st Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment from September 30, 1993 until his untimely death.

It is with great pride that we would remember his dedication towards his services towards the nation in carrying out his duties in the North and Eastern areas.

During his tenure in the Army, he successfully followed construction course for medium level Technical Officers, course for Unit Officers, Senior Strategic Course, National Diploma in Technology - Stage I and Senior Strategic and Junior Commanders Course locally and the Junior Commanders 58th Course in India.

In appreciation of his exceptional and remarkable service, he was promoted as Lieutenant on January 18, 1983, as Captain on June 1, 1985, as Major on August 1, 1989 and as Lieutenant Colonel on December 1, 1993. Further in honour of his fearless, efficient, honourary services in the service of the country and his loyalty to the State, he was conferred with the Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal and the Purnabhumi Medal.

In the battle against the Tamil separatist onslaught, he was a pioneer in the forefront to save our country’s unitary State, sovereignty and Territorial integrity and is an unforgettable personality.

It is a great loss to all of us, no doubt. His services for the uplift of the 1st Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and in everything he involved, is surely great. Thank you for being with us.

May you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.

- K.F.