21st January 2025 19:10:27 Hours
The military funeral of the late Brigadier N.G.G.S Thilakarathne (Retd) of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR), who served the country for over 32 years, was held on Monday (20 January) afternoon at the Mahaiyawa Cemetery.
Major General W.P.A.D.W. Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and the Colonel of the Regiment SLSR, along with retired Senior Officers, Senior Officers, Officers, and other mourners, were present to pay their respects to the late Senior Officer.
In accordance with military traditions, troops received the remains, offering a salute near the cemetery entrance before placing the coffin, draped with the national flag, on a gun carriage.
As the funeral procession reached the main entrance of the cemetery, a representative gathering of Senior Officers formally received the coffin and accompanied it towards the crematorium, joined by family members and others who lined up behind the procession.
The formal Special Part I Order, issued by the Commandant (Overlooking) of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, was read out to the mourners. In keeping with military traditions, troops saluted the deceased, presenting a symbolic gun salute, the highest honour accorded to a military officer upon their demise.
Following the "Last Post" bugle call, signifying the soldier's final rest, the remains were taken to the crematorium.
Shortly afterwards, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army presented the bereaved family with medals that Brigadier N.G.G.S Thilakarathne (Retd) had earned during his illustrious career, in line with a longstanding tradition in the Armed Forces.
