Navy Commander’s lyrics to be launched

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

‘Sindupathi Kaw Gee’ a collection of songs and poems written by Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake is to be launched along with CDs named ‘Harshanata Liyu Gee’ and ‘Ira Handa Pamanai’ at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre on September 13.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be the chief guest at this special event.

The appointment of Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake who is a poet as the Navy Commander is a significant event not only in the history of the Sri Lanka Navy but in the tri-forces as well.

J R S Brown, W E Bank and P M B Chawes who held the post of Commander of the Royal Ceylon Navy would never have thought that a poet will be selected to this post in the Sri Lanka Navy someday. But at present it has happened. The collections will be a great experience to the Sri Lankans who love poetry.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake, the youngest brother of veteran film director Somarathne Dissanayake provides new sources of energy for the children’s songs as his brother provides new sources for the children’s cinema.

Vice Admiral Dissanayake joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet on June 1, 1977, after serving as an assistant teacher for a year. He successfully completed his basic training at the renowned Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee before attending the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course in India.

As a young officer, he also attended the International Warfare Course of the British Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. His sea service exceeds eight years whilst the duration served in the Northern and Eastern operational Commands accounts for 15 years.

Vice Admiral Dissanayake has held several posts in Sri Lanka Navy including Director General Operations, Director General Services at Naval Headquarters, Director Naval Administration, Director Naval Personnel and Director Welfare. He has commanded the Southern Naval Area as well. Besides, he held key sports administration posts such as Secretary of the Defence Services Sports Board and Secretary of the Sri Lanka Navy Sports Board.

In the 60-year history of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Dissanayake has been the most decorated Naval Officer and befittingly he is elevated to the highest seat of the Navy.

He survived a LTTE suicidal attack and in the process rescued the life of a comrade and was bestowed with the ‘Weerodara Vibhushana’ for his bravery. He has been decorated for gallantry with two Rana Sura Padakkama and also has been awarded the ‘Vishista Seva Vibhushana’, the ‘Uttama Seva Padakkama’ and 11 commemorative, campaign and service medals. Besides, he is the recipient of three decorative badges which include the five-star Commendation Badge.

Vice Admiral Dissanayake compiled the songs while collecting a number of creations which he had done during the past 35 years. He has subjected his personal experiences and his dear ones’ experiences to these poems and songs.

He has not studied literature or any aesthetic subject during his school or any other period in his life time. He got this talent from his birth and his creations prove it well.