Lieutenant General Denzil Lakshman Kobbekaduwa’s 19th death anniversary:

Won hearts and minds of people

Compiled by Richard Basnayake
(Retd. Principal Matale) with information provided by Lali Ratwatte Kobbekaduwa

Lieutenant General Denzil Lakshman Kobbekaduwa was born on July 27, 1940 in Kobbekaduwa Walauwa, in Kandy. His father was L B Kobbekaduwa and his loving mother was Iona Ratwatte Kobbekaduwa. There were four children in the family. Yvonne was the eldest daughter, Denzil was the second and he had two younger brothers named Asoka and Rohan.

Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa

Denzil had his education at Trinity College, Kandy. He was a bright student not only in his studies but also in the field of sports, very specially rugby football. He had a charismatic personality, a broad smile on his face and very expressive eyes. He was loved by all - his relations, friends, teachers and his schoolmates at Trinity College.

He joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1960, when he was only 20 years old, and proceeded to the United Kingdom to undergo his basic military training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

After the completion of his successful training, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant to the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps on August 3, 1962.

Rugby player

As a young officer, Lt Kobbekaduwa was a cheerful, energetic and an efficient officer, who won the hearts of every person who acquainted him. This young officer excelled as an exciting rugby player, having played for his school, unit, Army, Defence Services and Sri Lanka. He also contributed largely to the uplift of rugby football in Sri Lanka, by refereeing, coaching and administrating this wonderful game.

During his career he showed his ability in his profession and very specially in the field of sports as a dynamic leader in both fields which enabled him the unit, the Army and Sri Lanka to win the highest laurels at all levels.

His army career details are as follows:

1. Promoted 2/Lieutenant - 3.8.1962

2. Promoted Lieutenant - 3.2.1964

3. Promoted Captain - 3.2.1967

4. Promoted Major - 1.6.1972

5. Promoted Lieutenant Colonel - 1.4.1981

6. Promoted Colonel - 9.9.1985

7. Promoted Brigadier - 1.10.1988

8. Promoted Major General - 1.10.1988

9. Promoted Lieutenant

General (posthumously) - 8.8.1992

General Kobbekaduwa was a capable instructor, where he initially trained officers and men in the Armoured Corps, Cadets and young officers at the Sri Lanka Military Academy and students of the First Staff Course at Kotalawala Defence Academy.

He also took keen interest in the security network of Colombo and trained officers, men from all services and Police in high intensity security operations and gathering of intelligence.

His dedicated interests in training enabled many officers and men to benefit from his vast experience and knowledge. He was a competitive, inspiring and courageous leader who had a varied career as follows: See table

Operational experience

General Kobbekaduwa went to Jaffna in 1979 with some efficient officers to wipe out terrorism in the North. From 1979 to 1992, he had worked hard as a frontline officer, who through his aptitude, dedication, determination and efforts tried to bring peace by winning the hearts and minds of the Tamils. Thereby made a tremendous contribution to the defence and security of Sri Lanka. He was also instrumental in research and development to the use of armour and mechanized vehicles which enhanced the tactical mobility of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

During his long career of 31 years he had followed the following overseas courses.

His contribution to the Royal College of Defence Studies in 1989 through his vast operational experience has been highly rated by his colleagues and directing staff. His sterling qualities as a simple man and a brave soldier has made them predict a bright future for this very capable, humble and charming officer.

a. Royal Military Academy Sandhurst UK

b. Regimental Signal Officers Course UK

c. Armoured Vehicle Driving and Maintenance Course UK

d. Staff College Course UK

e. Royal College of Defence Studies UK

During his distinguished service he had been duly recognized by being awarded the following medals. The last three medals have been bestowed on him for his valour and participation in combat operation in the North and East of Sri Lanka.

a. The Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal

b. The Republic of Sri Lanka Army 25th Anniversary Medal

c. The President’s Inauguration Medal

d. Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal and CLASPS

e. Vadamarachchi Operation Medal

f. Purna Bhumi Padakkama

g. Rana Wickrama Padakkama

h. Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal

On successful completion of the course at the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies in UK, he assumed duties as General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Panagoda in January 1990. However with the outbreak of the North and East conflict in June 1990, he was charged with the responsibilities of assisting the beseiged troops in the Eastern Province. His success at this difficult operation saw him being inducted to the Northern Province as GOC 2 Div. where he was charged to continue operations against the LTTE terrorists. His brilliant generalship enabled the Sri Lankan Armed Forces to break the seize at the Elephant Pass Army Camp by a very successful and unprecedented amphibious operation in the annals of our military history.

This operation was planned and executed under tremendous pressure and emergency conditions, but this memorable victory over the terrorists turned the tide in favour of the Sri Lankan Forces.

Charming character

General Kobbekaduwa had a natural flair to be bold, ability to correctly appreciate the situation, conceive many original and workable plans, inspire his troops with confidence in the will to win and his absolute determination to execute the task in spite of all obstacles made him the most able General.

His charming character enabled him to make friends with religious and community leaders, where his awareness of the problems and quick solutions, appreciation of the suffering of the common masses of this country, quickly made him rise in stature and reputation.

He dedicated his efforts through discussions and deliberation for a joint solution to peace which was well-received by the politicians, government officials NGO’s, religious dignitaries, social workers and above all by the common people of Sri Lanka. This soldier general was undoubtedly the man for the crisis. Where his sole effort was to secure the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of Sri Lanka whilst protecting the peace-loving citizens of this country. He dedicated himself to defend and provide security to Sri Lanka, which undoubtedly will be a hallmark in our history.

He was awarded the following medals posthumously.

* VSV - Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya

* RSP - Rana Sura Padakkama (Twice)

* USP - Utthama Seva Padakkama

* Desha Puthra Sammanaya

General Denzil Lakshman Kobbekaduwa got married to Lali Ratwatte, an old girl of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya on December 3, 1971. They were blessed with two daughters Roshani, Shanilka and only son Dilshan. He was a very caring husband and a loving father to his children.

My cousin, Brigadier, late Nalin Angammana had told me that when General Kobbekaduwa returns to Jaffna after spending few days in his home in Colombo, he used to bring a vehicle full of sweets, specially milk toffees made by Lali Kobbekaduwa for the young soldiers. General Kobbekaduwa was like a father to these young soldiers who joined the Army from remote villages of Sri Lanka. These soldiers too had a great regard for their father like General.

General Denzil Lakshman Kobbekaduwa, one of the greatest sons of Sri Lanka was assassinated on August 8, 1992 in Jaffna. Although you have left us, the common people of this country still remember you with great honour, love and respect.

Dear General - May you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!