09th August 2019 11:06:23 Hours
Commemorative ceremonies in connection with the 27th death anniversary of Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne took place this morning (08) in the presence of Major General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and the Colonel of the Regiment of Gajaba Regiment and Commando Regiment with several other Senior Officers, Regimental Staff Officers and Other Ranks.
The main ceremony was at the statute of late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne in Kiribathgoda town where Major General Shavendra Silva as the Chief Guest accompanied by Dr. Hiran Wimalaratne (son of Maj Gen Wimalaratne) laid floral wreaths and the Regimental Council members and Gajaba Regiment's troops presented honours to his memory.
The next main ceremony took place at the Regimental Centre GR, Home of Gajaba, Saliyapura, Anuradhapura where Major General Shavendra Silva graced the event. Floral wreath-laying and the Last Post ceremony took place in front of the Main Office Complex where late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne's statute is placed as a tribute to the memory of the fallen War Hero.
Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, an old Royalist, joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 21 October 1961. After successful completion of training at the Indian Military Academy he returned to the country and he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on 1st August 1963. Young 2nd Lieutenant WIVKM Wimalarathne then posted to the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment. In 1969, he joined with the Gamunu Watch and became the Adjutant of 2nd (Volunteer) Gamunu Watch. Passing another milestone in his military Career in 1982 Major Vijaya Wimalarathne was appointed as the Commanding Officer of 1st Vijayabahu Regiment and subsequently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1983, the 1st Vijayabahu Regiment and 1st Rajarata Rifle Corps were amalgamated and the 1st Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment was formed under the motto of ‘Unity is Strength' under his leadership.
In August 1986 he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and during ‘Operation Liberation' in 1987, he commanded 1 Brigade in the first-ever three Brigades operation launched in the history of the Sri Lanka Army. In July 1988 he was promoted to the distinguished rank of Brigadier. He played a major role in the rescue of the troops in the Jaffna Fort in 1990 and the 'Operation Balavegaya' in 1991. Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, one of the finest warriors ever produced by the Sri Lanka Army, fell silent on 08 August 1992 along with Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha and few others while they were on a military assignment in Araly Point, Kayts, Jaffna due to LTTE pressure mine explosion. After his demise he was regarded as the ‘Father of the Gajaba Regiment’ for his commitments in bringing the Gajaba Regiment to today’s standard.
