23rd January 2018 14:38:35 Hours
Last rites of Major General S R Manawaduge RWP RSP ndu psc IG, was held with full military honours at General Cemetery, Borella on 8th May 2016 amidst a large gathering including Lieutenant General A W J C De Silva RWP VSV USP ndu psc, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and Air Marshal G P Bulathsinghala RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Major General Sumith Manawaduge passed away on 6th May 2016 at the Intensive Care Unit, National hospital, Colombo after sustaining injuries due to a fatal accident at a construction site a few days ago.
Major General Sumith Manawaduge who was performing duties as the Director General Sports of the Army and Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Artillery has served the Army for more than 36 years in varying capacities including those in the operational areas.
Sumith Rohan Manawaduge was born on 13 July 1961 as the third child to a respectable family at Pitiwella, Ginthota in Galle District. He had his primary and secondary education at Richmond College, Galle and excelled both in academics and extracurricular activities. Having got through the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Examination successfully in 1979 Sumith Rohan Manawaduge, without any hesitation, decided to join the Sri Lanka Army since that was what the motherland was demanding from an energetic and enthusiastic youth.
He enlisted in the Sri Lanka Army on 11 August 1980 as an Officer Cadet of Intake 14. Having completed his basic military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy by demonstrating outstanding performance, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 27 February 1982 to the prestigious 4th Field Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery. In the Regiment, he held numerous Command, Staff and Instructional appointments and performed duties in different parts of the country, displaying a high degree of professionalism and utmost commitment in discharging responsibilities entrusted to him.
Recognizing his absolute dedication, commitment, and competence displayed in the service, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 27 August 1983, to the rank of Captain on 20 August 1985 and to the rank of Major on 27 August 1989. His aspiring leadership was further rewarded by the Army by promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 15 January 1996, to the rank of Colonel on 01 August 2000 and to the rank of Brigadier on 15 February 2005. He was promoted to the prestigious rank of Major General on 22 December 2009.
During his unblemished military career, Major General S R Manawaduge held many appointments in different capacities. Some of the key appointments held by him were as follows:
Major General S R Manawaduge followed a number of local and overseas courses in different stages of his career where he attained outstanding ratings. Some of the prominent courses of training and visits he participated were,
Major General Sumith Manawaduge also served as the Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka in Malaysia from 12 August 2013 to 05 May 2015, where he performed his duties with the highest integrity and patriotism. He was instrumental in curtailing anti-Sri Lankan activities of separatist terrorist groups in Malaysia.
Major General Sumith Manawaduge was a heroic officer who always led soldiers from the front and set an example to his subordinates. He was the founder Division Commander of the 57 Division that launched the Humanitarian Operation in Wanni theatre. In recognition of his bravery in action, he was awarded the Rana Wickrama Padakkama and Rana Sura Padakkamaâ on four occasions.
He was awarded many other medals and decorations in recognition of his loyal and exemplary service to the Army and the Nation.
Major General S R Manawaduge was a source of encouragement and inspiration to the Officers and Other Ranks of the Sri Lanka Army and his legacy will continue to inspire them in the future as well. He was always held in high esteem among his peers and colleagues for his absolute integrity and honesty. He always stood for the wellbeing of soldiers and contributed immensely towards uplifting the training, morale and welfare aspects of the Army.
During his illustrious military career spanning over 36 years, he served the Army and the nation with utmost dedication and loyalty displaying high qualities of leadership as an Officer and gentleman. The inspiring leadership he extended to the Regiment of Artillery and to the Army will be remembered forever.
All officers and men of Sri Lanka Artillery, both retired and serving, express their heartfelt sorrow and intense feeling on the sad demise of senior Gunner who was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman. We the Gunners stand beside the family members at this moment of grief.
MAY HE ATTEND THE SUPREME BLISS OF NIBBANA
