17th August 2025 20:59:19 Hours
The military funeral ceremony of late Corporal Gunawardena D P A (Retired), a dedicated servant to the world and the nation for over two decades, was held with due honour and solemnity on the evening of Sunday, 17th August 2025, at the Mirihana General Cemetery. The event drew a large gathering of military comrades, relatives, and mourners who came together to pay their final respects to a soldier whose legacy has left an indelible mark on the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
Major General D K S K Dolage USP nps psc, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, graced the occasion to honour the memory of the departed soldier. His presence, along with that of serving and retired officers and other ranks, reflected the deep respect and admiration held for Corporal Gunawardena, whose service and sacrifice spanned both foreign and local arenas.
Corporal Gunawardena first enlisted with the Royal Engineers under the Queen’s Army on 06 November 1943, during the height of the Second World War. He rendered his service across different countries, contributing to significant military operations. Later, on 08 March 1951, he joined the Sri Lanka Army and was posted to the 1 Field Engineer Regiment of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, where he served with distinction as a Physical Training Instructor, shaping the fitness and discipline of many young soldiers.
For his exemplary service, he was the recipient of several prestigious medals of honour. He was awarded the ‘War Medal’ in recognition of his loyal service during the Second World War under the Royal Army, while the ‘Burma Star Medal’ was conferred for his role in the arduous Burma Campaign. His contributions during the global conflict further earned him the ‘1939–1945 Star Medal’, and his involvement in nonbattle and civilian war service was acknowledged with the ‘Defence Medal’. He was also decorated with the ‘Pacific Star Singapore Medal’’ for his dedicated role in Pacific missions during the war, and his longstanding discipline and integrity were recognized with the ‘Good Conduct Medal’.
The life and service of Corporal Gunawardena D P A stand as a testament to courage, commitment, and loyalty. His final journey was marked with honour befitting a soldier who not only served under the British Crown in World War II but also continued to dedicate his life to the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered with pride.
