|
|
 |
| Sunday, 21 April 2002 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Brigadier Bhathiya Jayathileke RSP IG "Sinhala Aluth Avuruddha" in year 2000 was a period to celebrate & make joy, but it changed dramatically by beginning of third week due to escalation of fighting in Elephant Pass in Jaffna which was to see a catastrophe in Sri Lanka. Bhathiya a veteran of the Vaddamarachi campaign having fought under legends of Sri Lanka Army was not a novice in this battle in Jaffna. Young Bhathiya after commanding the Cadet platoon at Royal College Colombo was awarded the Col. T.G. Jayawardena Memorial shield for the best Cadet Sergeant in 1978 opted for a military carrier to landscape his future. He being a member of a family with a Military background joined as an officer cadet of Sri Lanka Army in 1979 after completing a colourful student life at Royal College Colombo. Brigadier Bhathiya Jayathileke great student of warfare, member of the Sri Lanka Artillery was appointed in November 1998 as the Commanding Officer of 541 Brigade at Elephant Pass. Elephant Pass garrison which was in place from 1958 was not alien to Bhathiya, who was the Aide de Camp to then Army Commander General Hamilton Wanasinghe under whose command Late Generals Kobbekaduwa and Wimalarathne lead operation 'Balavegaya' in 1991 to rescue beleagued troops at EPS was completely aware of the importance of this gateway to Jaffna. Liberation Tigers having won their day at Kilinochchi was pounding Elephant Pass from end of 1998 and this dedicated Gunner with his brother soldiers bravely repulsed their attacks with profound knowledge of enemy and terrain. He led the valiant troops facing enemy waves after waves of attacks, until the unfortunate day forced for 'the tactical withdrawal' of EPS took the life of gallant and brave son of mother Lanka due to lack of water, not a bullet of the enemy. He breathed last on the night of 22 April 2000 at the Military Hospital, Palali Jaffna. Needless to say, Bhathiya who commanded two brigades in this battle was greatly admired by his men, and he, in his turn, spared no effort in looking after them. His subordinates never wanted to leave Bhathiya after he collapsed under extreme hot sun on their withdrawal route along the Kilali lagoon on this fateful day having gone through the killing zone. While facing the enemy mortars and endless rain of fire from sea tigers beside Kilali, they brought him to the end of the battle zone alive, rest is the dark history of the Sri Lanka Military. Bhathiya who believed in apt saying of Oliver Cromwell "On becoming soldiers we have not ceased to be citizens' was attending to the welfare of the innocent Tamil villagers of 'Dharmankerni' as fondly recalled by his colleagues at the time of last Sinhala-Hindu New Year while fighting escalated to the maximum height at Elephant pass. This defender of mother Lanka full of humanity was a loving father to two young daughters' Druvinki & Sachini and a very loving husband to his old standing love Sashika. Shashi and kids were praying for the safe return of Bhathiya, who saw them last three months back prior to his demise. This officer and gentleman who lost his only brother Captain Nalin Jayathileke in 'Operation Yal Devi' off Kilali lagoon in 1992 having set aside his family commitments, was brave enough to face the enemy since he believed in 'country before self.' Wanasinghe Arachchige Ajith Prabhath Bhathiya Jayathileke who lived for what he believed, fought for the arrest of Sri Lanka faced the untimely death leaving us to fight our day, but your memory full of wit and humour, smartly dressed in olive green uniform with the peak cap neatly placed, who was very proud of fellow officers and men of the Sri Lanka army live with us. We few, we happy see the day of this country due to the sacrifice made by the defenders of our nation, Bhathiya you live in our hearts and we live because of you! May you attain Nibbhana Sarathchandra Rajakaruna MP |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
