Heroic sons of Ananda in the forefront of victory

******

Major General Jagath Dias, Major General Kamal Gunaratne, Brigadier Prasanna Silva and Brigadier Chagi Gallage, all Anandians, played a pivotal role in the battle against terrorism. Their relentless drive to eliminate terrorism despite both natural and LTTE-constructed barriers secured freedom for all Lankans, especially the nearly 280,000 people who were held hostage by the LTTE.

*******

Major General Jagath Dias

Officer Commanding 57 Division

A senior officer of the Gajaba Regiment, Major General Jagath Dias took up the challenge of commanding the 57 offensive Division in the Vanni Liberation operation in the mid of Year 2007 after Brigadier Sumith Manawadu. Major General Jagath Dias commanded his troops to capture sacred Madhu Church in April 25, 2008 the first significant victory achieved by the 57 Division.

Then onward the 57 Division captured the significant townships Palampiddi, Periyamadu, Thunukkai, Mallavi and Akkarayankulam, Murikkandi and Iranamadu.

Capturing Kilinochchi was the highest achievement by the 57 Division under his command. Later he also commanded his troops to capture Ramanathanpuram and Visuamadu towns.

Major General Kamal Gunaratne

General Officer Commanding, 53 Division

Another battle hardened officer from the Gajaba Regiment, Major General Kamal Gunaratne first commanded the 55 Division in Jaffna and later appointed as the GOC of the 53 Division. He commanded his troops to capture Muhamalai, Pallai, Soranpattu and Elephant Pass.

Then his Division was moved to Mankulam and later deployed in the battle to capture Puthukudiyirippu. It was his troops who captured the Eastern edge of the Nanthikadal lagoon along with the Task Force VIII troops.

In the final battle it was the troops under his command who recovered the body of Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon in Vellamulivaikkal.

Brigadier Prasanna Silva

General Officer Commanding 55 Division

A battle hardened Infantry Officer Brigadier Prasanna Silva initially commanded the troops in the Mavil Aru battle and to liberate Vakarai in the year 2006 and 2007.

He was later appointed as the General Officer Commanding of the 55 Division in Jaffna to command his troops to capture Nagarkovil, Kudarappu, Chempionpattu in the Eastern coast of the Jaffna peninsula. Later he commanded the 55 Division to capture Chundikulam and Chalai to capture the entire North Eastern coast up to Mullaitivu North.

During the final battle in the Mullaitivu North Brigadier Prasanna Silva commanded the troops to capture Vadduvakkal causeway clearing the path for the civilians to escape towards military controlled areas.

Brigadier Chagie Gallage

General Officer Commanding 59 Division

He first commanded the commando troops in the Thoppigala liberation operation which was considered the pinnacle of the Eastern liberation operation. He was later appointed as the Task Force I commander and commanded his troops to capture Silavatura in September 2007.

Later he was appointed as the Director Training of the Army Headquarters. He was sent specially sent to 59 Division to overlook the operational matters. It was under his supervision the troops expanded Forward Defences in the entire Mullaitivu front which had helped greatly to lay siege on the last terrain of the LTTE in Mullaitivu North leaving no room for the LTTE to escape into Mullaitivu jungles.