BLESSING CEREMONY FOR THE FALLEN, MISSING, AND INJURED WAR HEROES OF THE POONARYN DEFENSIVE OPERATION
The 1st Battalion of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry, which was established on 12 May 1950, was entrusted in 1993 with the responsibility of defending the Poonaryn Peninsula. At that time, the Commanding Officer was Major General TTR De Silva (Retd) RWP RSP USP psc, a distinguished senior officer.
According to a long-prepared plan by the terrorists, a massive assault was launched at 0110 hours on 11 November 1993, lasting for five consecutive days. Under the courageous leadership of the Commanding Officer and the unwavering bravery of all officers and soldiers, the unit safeguarded the pride of the regiment and the honor of the Army by resisting the enemy and preventing the territory from falling into terrorist hands leaving behind an indelible mark in the history of Sri Lankan military.
In the fierce battle, one officer and 50 soldiers were killed in action, three officers and 107 soldiers were missing in action, and five officers and 138 soldiers were seriously injured.
As a tribute, a newly constructed kitchen and bathroom were built and completed on 11 November 2025 at the residence of Mr G Karunaratne, a member of a low-income family residing in Raigama Watta, Ingiriya, and were handed over to him on the same day.
Furthermore, to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Poonaryn attack on 11 November 2025, a Bodhi Pooja was organized at the Sri Bodhiraja Buddhist Temple, Raigama Hunukotuwa, to bless and transfer merit to the fallen and missing war heroes, and to pray for the speedy recovery of the injured ones. This ceremony was organized under the guidance of Major General YAMB Yahampath RWP RSP ndu psc, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Light Infantry, and Brigadier WKSPMRAB Dodamwala psc, Centre Commandant of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry.
The event was organized by Lieutenant Colonel AS Rajaratna RWP RSP USP Lsc, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry, together with Regimental Sergeant Major WO I HMS Herath RSP USP, and all officers and soldiers of the battalion. On 12 November 2025, a Almsgiving was also held at the Mahiyangala Sri Sanghikārāma Temple.
Major General TTR De Silva (Retd) RWP RSP USP psc, the mother of Lance Corporal Seneviratne SHJ (S/12091) who was missing in action during the Poonaryn attack and several civilians participated in these religious ceremonies to pay tribute and transfer merit to the fallen and missing war heroes
