Fourth Death Anniversary today:

Lt. Gen. Parami Kulatunga's dedication to duties exemplary

Wijitha NAKKAWITA

Today, June 26 marks the fourth death anniversary of Lt.Gen. Parami Bandara Kulatunga who was killed by an LTTE suicide motor cyclist bomber at Pannipitiya.

He was one of the highest ranking officers of the Sri Lanka Army to be killed by the terrorists who had also killed other high ranking officers like the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Clancy Fernando among others.

Parami Kulatunga was an exemplary officer who joined the army in 1971 as an officer cadet and was inducted to the Gemunu Regiment and was promoted to lieutenant in July 1974. He was an old boy of Trinity College Kandy and was born on October 10, 1954.

Among the highlights of his career as an officer of the army were his promotion as Major in 1971 and Lt. Colonel in 1989 and Colonel in 1994. He then was appointed the Officer Commanding the regiment and also as Officer Commandant of the Kotelawala Defence Academy. In 1994 he was promoted Brigadier and appointed the Commander of Trincomalee and in 1996 was appointed Director Training of the Army Headquarters.

Parami Kulatunga was appointed Commander of the 56 and 54 brigades 1997 and two years later promoted Director Staff Branch, Army Headquarters and his promotion as Major General was given in January 2000 and was the Wanni Commander during 2004 - 2005. In July he was appointed Commanding Officer of the Gemunu Regiment and promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff in December.

At Pannipitiya on June 26, 2005 Maj Gen Parami Kulatunga and three others were killed by an LTTE suicide bomber riding an explosive laden motor cycle rammed the car in which Kulatunga was travelling.

He was on his way to the army headquarters when the tragedy took place.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa issuing a statement on his death said "the LTTE's Cowardly use of suicide killers, deserves contempt and condemnation.

This unabated violence should attract the approbation of the entire civilized world. It is a reminder to the international community and to the Tamil people, that the LTTE remains and organization dedicated to violent means to achieve its objectives."

Among the others who issued statements condemning the killing of Parami Kulatunga was UN Secretary General Kofi Annan who said no cause could justify such acts of violence.

Parami Kulatunga was known as a gentleman officer of a very high calibre in the Sri Lanka Army dedicated to his duties. He was liked by his colleagues and loved by his lower ranks. His death was a serious loss the country at a crucial juncture when the humanitarian operations against the LTTE was to be started by the armed forces and had he lived would have contributed his share to the victory's.