30th January 2018 10:10:48 Hours
The funeral of late Col N Gunathilake (Rtd) USP who passed away on 29 October 2017 at the age of 74 was held at the “Udumulla Crematorium” amidst full Military Honours on 01 November 2017 at 1600 hrs. He joined the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as a direct enlisted Engineering Professional in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant on 14 May 1971.After completion of his basic military training he was posted to the then Works Services Sri Lanka Engineers.
Thereafter, he was appointed as the first Garrison Engineer (Jaffna) on 6 July 1971, the Garrison Engineer (Anuradhapura), Garrison Engineer (Colombo) and 2 In Command Works Services Sri Lanka Engineers. In 1982 he entered into the College of Military Engineering in India to follow Engineer Officer Works Procedure Course. On completion of the course, he was appointed as the 6 Commanding Officer of Works Services SriLanka Engineers on 1 September 1988.
During his tenure from 1988 to 1992, as the Commanding Officer of the Works Services Sri Lanka Engineers, he made significant changes to the existing organization and re-designated Works Services Sri Lanka Engineers as the Engineer Services Regiment with effect from 10 January 1990 and also contributed to change the old Cap Badge.
He rendered his service to the Corps of Engineer Services, as the first Regimental Centre Commandant from 1 August 1991 to 5 January 1993. During his career, which extends nearly 27 years he held the appointments of Colonel (A/Q) - 21 Bde, Military Liaison Officer of Northern and Eastern Provinces under Ministry of Defence, the Director Recruiting and the Director of Welfare.
He achieved the full membership of Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka and he was recognized as a qualified Chartered Engineer.Colonel N Gunathilake USP is the author of the Book titled "Productivity in Construction Industry."
In recognition of his service to the country he was decorated with the following medals.
• Uththama Seva Padakkama
• Sri Lanka Army 25 Anniversary Medal
• Sri Lanka Armed Service Long Service Medal
• President's Inauguration Medal
After his retirement from the Sri Lanka Army on 29 March 1998, he served as a Senior Engineer at the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka and he contributed to the execution of number of Mega Engineering projects including the construction of Colombo Outer Circular Highway. He also served as the Deputy Chairman of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Quality and Productivity.
As a 'Sapper', Colonel N Gunathilake USP maintained the true spirit and the pride of the Regiment. May he attain supreme bliss of Niruwana.
