Vijaya Wimalaratne

Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne was educated at Royal College, Colombo and joined the Army as an Officer Cadet in August 1962. He commenced his career as an Officer in the Army on 1st August 1963 on completion of training at the Indian Military Academy.

He returned after a Jungle Warfare Course in Malaysia and was assigned with the task of conducting the Jungle Warfare phase for Officer Cadets. His competency and application of the subject to the local scenario made the training very interesting. He used to trek the jungles of Buttala, Wellawaya and Ampara in search of training areas and his description of the bush jungle as ‘Podi Singho Marang’ were some aspects which still remain in my mind. Sometimes he was called ‘Ka`la` Kumaraya’ since the jungle appeared to be his home! He also introduced training on Fighting in Built up Areas and anti-terrorist operations to the Army.

During his colourful career he raised the 1st Battalion The Gajaba Regiment. He nurtured, trained and guided the Officers and the Men and made the battalion an effective fighting unit. The nucleus he created in the battalion became a catalyst and the performance of the Gajaba Battalion later is ample testimony of his leadership and vision. During ‘Op Liberation’ in 1987 he commanded 3 Brigade in the first ever two Brigade operation launched in the history of the Sri Lanka Army. He was holding the appointment of Deputy Security Forces Comd Jaffna. Meticulous planning of operations and attention to detail were his strong points and he taught and guided his staff to achieve the same standards. He played a major role in ‘Op Balavegaya’ (link up with Elephant Pass).

He was bold and daring and whenever an incident occurred in Jaffna he used to get some troops from his battalion and proceed to the area to assess the situation. On one occasion, some claymores had been exploded on the Idaikkadu road in Jaffna and with casualties. It was around dusk and light was fading. He had immediately taken his command vehicle which was a Buffel, gathered some troops and proceeded to the scene. Since there was an element of risk involved had to pursue with additional troops. He acts instinctively at times thus making his staff fear for his safety though he unknown to us has taken adequate security precautions without only fuss.

The staff work of Maj Gen Wimalaratne was meticulous.His method of maintaining records and data with accuracy are still being followed. His influence over the staff Officers enabled them to learn and progress. He was a hard taskmaster and set high but achievable standards. With his personal guidance and personal touch he was able to obtain the best from his staff.

His final appointment was Comd Security Forces Jaffna. His vision and dedication were a sources of inspiration to others. Planning and execution of operations was his forte and he led upfront. His presence in the front and his leadership were motivating factors which led to his success in operations. He had a firm belief that proper logistical planning is essential for successful operations. Therefore he always ensured that logistic plans were make in detail and that resources were in place prior to launching of operations.

Being a well disciplined and dedicated Officer and Gentleman he expected the same from those serving under him. He was firm, friendly and fair. Those under him responded positively and gave him their wholehearted support since then were inspired by his leadership and had confidence that he had the staying power and courage to ensure that any assignment given to him would be successfully completed. He always made it a point to recognize good performance and place on record by way of commendations for future reference.

Being deployed in operational areas for a long duration he had to sacrifice time with his family. His wife Manel therefore had to bring up the children. Her devotion and support enabled him to carry on with the campaign to eradicate terrorism and bring about peace to Sri Lanka.

On 8th August 1992 when he was Security Forces Comd Jaffna whilst accompanying Lt Gen Kobbekaduwa on a mission in Kayts he laid down his life for the Country. On this day the Army and the Nation lost a Leader, a Warrior, a true patriot and a son of the soil. Manel and the children lost an admired and loving husband and a father.

The Army remembers Maj Gen Vijaya Wimalaratne today as one of its greatest warriors and respected Officers who laid down his life whilst fighting in a campaign to safeguard the Country and its people.