03rd January 2022 20:05:17 Hours
The funeral of Brigadier Panduka Perera, Commander, 563 Brigade of the Security Force HQ-Wanni who passed away on Friday (31) while receiving treatment for post-recovery medical complications of the COVID-19 virus at the Infectious Disease Hospital at Mulleriyawa took place at Eldeniya cemetery this afternoon (3) amidst military honours and a gathering of his close military colleagues, family members and mourners.
At the cemetery, a restricted number of Officers and Other Ranks, including the Adjutant General, Major General Deepal Pussella, who represented the Commander of the Army at the cemetery, Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and Commander, Security Forces - West, Major General Kithsiri Liyanage were present at the military funeral.
Brigadier Panduka Perera as an infantryman had contributed to major offensive operations, such as ‘Jaya Sikuru’, ‘Riviresa’, ‘Edibala’, ‘Kinihira’, ‘Agnikeela’ and Wanni humanitarian operations, having joined the Sri Lanka Army on 3 November 1990 as an Officer Cadet.
The Special Part 1 Order issued by General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army said that he remained a source of encouragement and inspiration to both Officers and Other Ranks of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
Troops in accordance with military traditions received the remains, presenting arms near the entrance to the cemetery before it was placed in the gun carriage and draped it in the National flag. As the funeral procession reached the main entrance to the cemetery, a representative gathering of senior officers formally, received the coffin and began to inch their way towards the crematorium as family members lined up behind the coffin.
The formal Special Part I Order, issued by the Commander of the Army was then read out to the mourners as the occasion turned solemn. Troops in conformity with military traditions then saluted the deceased, presenting a symbolic gun salute, the highest tribute a military officer, could get in the event of his demise.
Minutes after the Last Post, the bugle call that sounded, indicating that the great soldier had now gone to his final rest, the remains were taken to the crematorium.
Seconds after that, Major General Deepal Pussella together with Major General Kithsiri Liyanage presented the bereaved family with the decorations and medals Brigadier Panduka Perera had earned during his illustrious career, a general tradition, practice in the armed forces.
The full text of the Part I Order issued by the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army on the demise of Brigadier Panduka Perera is as follows;
It is with deep regret and profound sorrow the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army and All Ranks of the Sri Lanka Army pronounce the demise of Brigadier K P A Perera RSP on 31 December 2021.
Kapuge Panduka Anthony Perera was born on 27 October 1970 at Castle hospital, Colombo. Master Panduka Anthony Perera had his education from D S Senanayake College, Colombo and excelled both in academics and sports. He proved himself as an outstanding sportsman by representing the College Rugby team.
Having concluded his school education, young Panduka Anthony Perera joined the Sri Lanka Army on 03 November 1990 as an Officer Cadet. After successful completion of basic military training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 14 November 1992 and posted to the prestigious Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. There, he served the Regiment in numerous capacities while being deployed in different areas of the country displaying a high degree of professionalism and utmost commitment in discharging duties and responsibilities entrusted to him.
His absolute dedication, commitment and competence displayed towards the service was recognized by promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant on 14 May 1994, to the rank of Captain on 14 May 1997 and to the rank of Major on 14 May 2005. His aspiring leadership was further rewarded by promoting him to the senior ranks of the Army respectively to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 03 November 2008, to the rank of Colonel on 03 November 2016 and to the rank of Brigadier on 21 December 2020.
During his long and glorious carrier, Brigadier K P A Perera held many Command and Staff appointments in different capacities. Some of the key appointments held by him are:
General Staff Officer III - Directorate of Operations
Company Commander - 1st Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
General Staff Officer II - Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
General Staff Officer II - 21 Infantry Division
Commanding Officer - 4th and 6th Battalions of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
General Staff Officer I - Area Headquarters, Anuradhapura
Colonel General Staff - 21 Infantry Division
Colonel Media - Directorate of Media, Army Headquarters
Commander - 563 Infantry Brigade
Brigadier Panduka Perera has actively contributed to the major offensive operations namely Jayasikuru, Riviresa, Edibala, Kinihira, Agnikeela and Wanni Humanitarian operation. In recognition of his distinguished service rendered to the Army, this Senior Officer was awarded the following medals:
Rana Sura Padakkama
East Humanitarian Operation Medal North Humanitarian Operation Medal Purna Bhumi Padakkama
North and East Operations Medal Riviresa Campaign Service Medal
50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal
Sri Lanka Armed Services Long services Medal Sevabhimani Padakkama
Service Medal
United Nation Medal (Haiti) Videsha Seva Padakkama
Revising on his adventures military journey, Brigadier Panduka Perera had followed many local and overseas courses in different stages of his career where he attained outstanding appraisals to them. Among those, Young Officers’ Course in India, Junior Command Course in India, Anti - Amour Course in Pakistan, Battalion Support Weapon Course, International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Course, Company Commander Course and Second In Command Course are stands out. Further, he had performed duties as the acting Deputy Dean of KDU Southern Campus as a pioneer to the inauguration of its Southern faculty.
Brigadier Panduka Perera was a source of encouragement and inspiration to the Officers and Other Ranks of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and Sri Lanka Army. He was always held in high esteem among his peers and colleagues for his absolute integrity and honesty.
During his illustrious military career, this Senior Officer had served the Army and the country with utmost dedication displaying exemplary qualities as an Officer and a gentleman. The inspiring leadership he has given to the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and the Army will be remembered forever.
The last rites of late Brigadier K P A Perera RSP will be held at 1500 hours on 03 January 2022 at the General Cemetery, Eldeniya with full military honours. The Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army together with All Ranks join the family members to share their sorrow at this moment of grief.
Late Brigadier K P A Perera RSP, though you have departed, your name and honourable service rendered to the Army and the country will always be remembered. Your noteworthy contribution towards the growth of the establishment would be cherished by all that follows. Your name will remain forever as a true son of Mother Lanka.
