SRI LANKANS from all walks of life, except for those who sympathize with Tamil Tiger (LTTE) terrorism and want this country be divided on ethnic lines, as sun sets on Wednesday (28) evening, bade adieu to one of the most illustrious military veterans in the annals of Sri Lankan Army, Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunge RSP USP USAWC, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army.
Lieutenant General Kulatunge, who posed a formidable challenge to terrorists in the northern theatre of war some time back and still continued to be a major setback to their numerous terror tactics, was a tower of strength to the Army as well as to all those who closely knew him.
He was slain at Pannipitiya by an LTTE suicide bomber on motorbike Monday (26) morning while he was proceeding for work along with his escort vehicle. Ranaviru Kulatunge, his driver Sergeant A.R.Gomes and Corporal L.B. Buddhika Maduranga died on the spot in the terrorist explosion along with a civilian.
As a valiant military officer of the highest caliber and very much held in high esteem was a battle-hardened veteran who attacked the enemy when they were un-prepared. He often held the view that a disciplined Army should always use its audacity and turn everything possible in war as General George S. Patton said back in 1947. This courageous officer won the hearts of all ranks in the Army, no matter whether they belonged to his own Gemunu Regiment or otherwise. His well-built physical appearance to match with his light humour made him the ideal icon of the contemporary military men with a vast knowledge of warfare.
Today’s final departure from his brother’s residence after sending shock waves to the Nation was a solemn moment. As the clock strikes noon, Members of the Maha Sangha (Buddhist monks), drawn from every corner of the island joined final religious rites, “Pansakula” at his residence in Kelaniya. Priests of other denominations were also present on the occasion to pay homage to the defender of the Nation. As the coffin draped with the National Flag bearing late War Hero’s Cap, Sword, Sash and aiguillette was being taken out from the residence, the Insignia Bearer, as in any other military funeral after collecting medals of his military leader joined the funeral procession that wended its way to the entrance of the Colombo General Cemetery.
With thousands of mourners, preceded by the Army Band, Colour Party, Firing Party, Buglers, and the Gun Carriage carrying the remains of late Lt. General Kulatunge afterwards began inching towards the crematorium at the cemetery after thousands of Army troops in their ceremonial dresses received the mortal remains of their beloved leader. Pall bearers comprised a number of distinguished military leaders and close relatives of Lt General Kulatunge.
On behalf of the Army, Lt Colonel W.A.Wanniarachchi delivered the funeral oration in appreciation of the services rendered by late War Hero Lt General Parami Kulatunge who has served the Army with dedication and commitment spanning over thirty-five years. At the end of the oration, the Firing Party presented arms, as the Saluting Battery of the Army honoured their military leader with Gun Salute in conformity with military traditions.
As the coffin was placed, the Army Trumpeters began playing the Last Post, as thousands gathered in the cemetery rose to their feet at attention to salute their fearless military leader. As bellows of smoke that emitted from the upright crematorium chimney began gathering in circles over the sky, all Sri Lankans in the cemetery premises, irrespective of their ethnicity, seemed determined that terrorism should be completely wiped out from the soil of this island-nation as early as possible.
Nation Salutes An Officer With Gentlemanly Qualities The Nation on Wednesday (28) evening, as the clock struck six in the evening bade farewell to a great War Hero of our times whose dedication and commitment won him plaudits not only from his seniors but also from the common masses of all ethnicities who he treasured so much. Lieutenant General P.S.B. Kulatunge, fondly known as “Parami” among all in the Army as well as outside, was an Officer cum Gentleman who tirelessly toiled for welfare and uplift of the organization and his Gemunu Regiment. His Regiment was his second home and served as Colonel of the Regiment in Gemunu Watch until he was brutally snatched by Tamil Tiger terrorists. The official Special Part I Order issued by the Commander of the Army in connection with his untimely death, it was said that his sound military knowledge and dedication coupled with gentlemanly qualities made this infantry officer unique. Here follows the Part I Order read out at the funeral;
LIEUTENANT GENERAL P.S.B. KULATUNGE RSP USP USAWC With an intense feeling of profound sorrow, explicit sincerity and whole hearted emotions, the Commander of the Army, all Officers and Other Ranks express their immense grief on the untimely demise of Lieutenant General P.S.B. Kulatunge RSP USP USAWC on 26 June 2006 due to an LTTE suicide attack at Moraketiya, Pannipitiya whilst he was holding office as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army. Parami Suddammika Bandara Kulatunge, popularly known as Parami was born on 09 October 1951 at Lewella, Kandy and was educated at Trinity College, where along with his distinguished education excelled in many a sport specially in athletics and rugby. Young Parami Kulatunge having just left school responded to the need of the hour and made his mind to serve the motherland and his nation by joining the Sri Lanka Army. Having enlisted as an officer cadet to Intake 05 on 20 July 1971, he underwent initially military training at the Sri Lanka Military Acadamy Diyatalawa. On successful completion of basic military training he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 14 October 1972. Young robust Second Lieutenant Parami Kulatunge selected the path of soldiering in the family on infantry as his career and was posted to the 1 Battalion The Gemunu Watch. Due to his dedication to duties in all fields of military activity, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 24 July 1974, Captain 0n 24 July 1977 and Major on 01 June 1982. His outstanding performances were rewarded by being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 01 October 1989, to Colonel 27 June 1993 and to Brigadier on 01 December 1994. His strong and pleasant personality which went hand in glove with his intelligence, clear and precise forethought in finding solutions to the problems were greatly appreciated. He was promoted to the rank of Major General on 01 May 2000. He utilized the knowledge gained from various courses of training followed both locally and abroad and contributed his share in no small measures towards the improvement of the Army. Some of the important courses followed and seminars attended by him during his distinguished military career are as follows.
Courses Infantry Young Officers’ Course in India. Intelligence Staff Officers’ Course in India. Advanced Intelligence Course in Singapore. Senior Command Course in India. International Military Education and Training Course – Army War College in USA.
Seminars Special Operations Conference in the USA. South Asia Peace Keeping Operations in Bangladesh. Pacific Armies Management Seminar (PAMS – XXV) in Malaysia. International Military Education Programme in the USA. Senior Military Officers Seminar in the UK. During General Parami Kulatunge’s military career, he served in the operational areas of Northern and Eastern theatres and shouldered responsibilities entrusted to him with courage and dedication always pursuing positive results. He faced the burnt as a front line officer in most of the major operations launched by the Sri Lanka Army during his illustrious military career spanning thirty five years. He held the following key appointments during his tenure of service in the Sri Lanka Army. Staff Officer I (Intelligence) – Operations Headquarters, Ministry of Defence. Staff Officer I (Operations) - Operations Headquarters, Ministry of Defence. General Staff Officer I (Operations) – 23 Brigade – Polonnaruwa. Commanding Officer – 6 Battalion The Gemunu Watch. Colonel (General Staff) – Headquarters 2 Division – Anuradhapura. Deputy Commander – Sir John Kotalawal Defence Acadamy. Assistant Military Secretary – Army Headquarters. Commander – 22 Brigade – Trincomalee. Director Training – Army Headquarters. Deputy General Officer Commanding – 56 Division – Kanakarayankulam. Deputy General Officer Commanding – 54 Division – Elephant-Pass Officiating Director General General Staff – Army Headquarters. General Officer Commanding – 52 Division – Varani – Jaffna. General Officer Commanding – 11 Division - Panagoda. Director Genaral General Staff – Army Headquarters. Commander Security Forces Headquarters in Vavuniya. Colonel of the Regiment The Gemunu Watch. Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army. His sound military knowledge, dedication and commitment to work, coupled with the gentlemanly qualities which were charismatic to the core made this infantry officer stand in good stead in performing his duties in the appointments he held, bringing credit to his Regiment, The Gemunu Watch in particular and to the Sri Lanka Army in general. Lieutenant General PSB Kulatunge RSP USP USAWC during his brilliant military career contributed immensely towards betterment of the Army. He won the admiration of his superiors as well as his subordinates. His dedication and bravery were recognized when he was bestowed with Rana Sura Padakkama, for the gallantry displayed in combat. In recognition of his dedicated service, efficiency and loyalty the following medals were awarded to him during his long and distinguished military career. Uththma seva Padakkama. Purna Bhumi Padakkama. North and East Operations Medal and Clasp. Vadamarachchi Campaign Service Medal. Riviresa Operations Medal. Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal. 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal. The Sri Lanka Armed Service Long Service Medal. President’s Inauguration Medal. From the beginning of his military career he confidently led his subordinates towards goal achievement. The death of Lieutenant General Kulatunge has drawn a curtain of gloom. We are extremely distressed on the untimely demise of General Kulatunge who had been a source of encouragement and inspiration to both Officers and Other Ranks alike. His demise is an irreparable loss not only to the Armed Forces but also to the nation as a whole. The Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and all ranks join the family members of the late Lieutenant General P.S.B. Kulatunge RSP USP USAWC in their hour of grief. Though departed, his name will forever remain close to our hearts as a patriot of Mother Lanka. May you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.
“Our resolve to defeat terrorism further strengthened,” says PresidentHIS EXCELLENCY, THE PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSE, in his condolence message read out at the military funeral of Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunge on Wednesday (28) reminded that this brutal assassination has further strengthened the Nation’s resolve to achieve a durable peace by defeating the enemies of democracy and all terrorist forces.His special message was read out by Minister of Education and Higher Education Susil Premajayantha at the military funeral, attended by a large distinguished gathering of Buddhist monks and clergy, Ministers, Members of Parliament, foreign dignitaries, retired Commanders of the Armed Forces, Senior Officers of all three services and the Police, mourners and thousands of soldiers dressed in their ceremonial uniforms.Here is the full text of his message of condolence; “I was deeply saddened at the news of the unexpected death of Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunge, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, due to a suicide bomb attack by an LTTE terrorist. From the time, he joined the Gemunu Regiment in 1971 up to his assassination Lt. General Parami was not only an exemplary soldier who zealously dedicated himself to the defence of the independence and territorial integrity of our country, but was also an ideal gentleman, who won the love and admiration of everyone. Lt General Parami Kulatunge graduated from the United States Military Academy and was honoured with Ranashoora, Uttamaseva and Poornabhoomi medals.He was a commander of the highest caliber, who was also decorated for his contribution to Riviresa and Vadamarachchi operations. On this occasion I would like to recall with gratitude the invaluable services he rendered to the Sri Lanka Army, the Security Forces and the country. All military heroes who sacrificed their lives including Lt. General Parami Kulatunge joined the Security Forces with the noble objective to defend the integrity of our motherland. Lt General Parami Kulatunge sacrificed his life when he was performing his duties with the same objective. I assure that the Government remains committed to defend the same noble objectives. On this occasion I would like to remind everyone that this brutal assassination further strengthens our resolve to achieve a durable peace in our motherland by defeating the enemies of democracy and all terrorist forces. The highest honour that could be accorded to Lt General Parami Kulatunge and all military heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country is, for everyone to join hands and continue the fight to defeat LTTE terrorism. I invite all to join me in this endeavour, irrespective of race or religion. I extend my deepest sympathies and that of the Government to all family members, friends and relatives of the valiant commander Major General Parami Kulatunge, ” the message ended.
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