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| Sunday, 15 September 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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True son of the soil : last post for Lucky Kodituwakku by Sarath Malalasekera
The funeral of Inspector General of Police Benjamin Lakdas Victor de Silva (Lucky) Kodituwakku was held with full Police honours at the General Cemetery, Borella with the participation of a large and distinguished gathering. Six hundred policemen, women and officials of the three forces participated. After the religious services the casket was placed on the gun carriage by officers of the Special Task Force led by STF Commandant DIG Nimal Gunatilleke. Past and present students of St. Joseph's College, Colombo and St. Thomas' College, Matale also participated. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in a condolence message read by Secretary K. Balapatabendi stated that late IGP Lucky Kodituwakku served as head of Police during a very important and critical period in the country and he discharged his responsibilities in an extremely acceptable manner to all concerned. There was no question about his integrity and impartiality. "I regret my inability to be present on the occasion of his funeral as I am away from the country. I wish to extend my condolences on behalf of the people of my country and on my own behalf to his wife Mrs. Lakshmi Kodituwakku, his son Ranmal Kodituwakku and other members of the family, the President's message stated. The late IGP Kodituwakku was a honest and dedicated police officer who was much loved and respected by his peers and subordinates alike. He was a true son of the soil who led an example in his field of duty while maintaining the highest standards of discipline and ethics, said Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya delivering funeral oration on behalf of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Government. IGP Kodituwakku died at his official residence on Tuesday following a brief illness. He was born on January 7, 1941. Late Mr. Kodituwakku, who was the 25th IGP of Sri Lanka was a Senior DIG Range one before he was appointed to the highest post in the Police Department on September 1, 1998. He succeeded W.B. Rajaguru on August 31, 1998. A deeply religious man who had a youthful disposition late Kodituwakku strived hard to enhance discipline in the Police force. He also initiated a program to provide training to all Police personnel on law, public relations and protection of human rights. Late Mr. Kodituwakku joined the service as a Probationary ASP on November 1, 1966. An old boy of S. Thomas' prep school, Bandarawela, but had his major part of schooling at St. Thomas' College, Matale. He also studied at St. Joseph's College, Colombo. He graduated from the Peradeniya University before proceeding to the Madras University to obtain his Bachelor of Commerce degree. He was a keen sportsman during his school days and served in Nugegoda, Anuradhapura, Colombo, Trincomalee, Chilaw, Negombo, Kalutara and as Assistant Director, Police Training College, Polonnaruwa, Kilinochchi, Kelaniya areas and at the Prime Minister's Security Division. He held the position of senior DIG Range one before he was promoted as the IGP. IGP Lucky Kodituwakku was the only IGP to have died while in service. He leaves his wife Lakshmi and only son Ranmal, who is an Assistant Superintendent of Police. The Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Bishop Kenneth Fernando, Fr. Victor Perera, Rector of St. Joseph's College, Colombo and Rev. Parry Brohier, Vicar of the Church of the Good Shepherd officiated at the religious service. Interior Minister John Amaratunge, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, Lt. Col. Welton of the British Commission, Acting IGP T.E. Anandarajah, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Lionel Balagalla, Navy Commander Daya Sandagiri and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Donald Perera, several ministers and opposition members were also present. |
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