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| Sunday, 24 August 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Denzil Kobbekaduwa: The General loved by all by Ramani Kangaraarachchi Eleven years ago on Aug 8 we lost a patriotic hero, Lt. General Denzil Kobbekaduwa due to a landmine explosion at Arali Point in Jaffna, along with several other officers, Brigadier Wijaya Wimalaratna, Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha, Colonels R. Stephen, T. Ariyaratna, Y. Palipana, Lt. Comds A. Lankatilake, C. Vijayapura and Cpl Jagath Wickramaratna.
He was well aware of the pulse of the soldiers in the battlefield, the suffering of the disabled soldiers, as well as the plight of the civilians in war-torn villages and the feelings of bereaved families of servicemen who had sacrificed their lives on national duty. He rendered an enormous social service while commanding troops in the North and East; construction of irrigation canals, building bridges, houses and bakeries, renovating schools were some of them. He treated everyone alike irrespective of caste, creed and religion. He always made it a point to avoid any possible damage to civilians, which won love, affection, admiration and gratitude from everybody. Perhaps he could be claimed as the greatest soldier that lived on our soil in recent history. Brave, honourable and dedicated without political bias, his untimely death left a vaccum that none could fill. Held in the highest esteem, a grateful nation mourned the loss of its most popular and decisive military leader. They not only mourned, but also erected statues, wrote books and conducted many religious activities to perpetuate his memory. "Lt. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa Trust" was inaugurated by his wife, on the invitation of close friends and well-wishers to carry out his hopes and ideals. The Trust carried out projects during the past several years. These included provision of artificial limbs, wheelchairs and crutches to disabled servicemen, constructing houses, fully or partly, provision of essential equipment and medicine to military hospitals, which was also vital. Rehabilitation of Ulpathwela village in Trincomalee which came under terrorist attacks several times, was another project carried out by the Trust. Thirty two families who lived there were constantly displaced and affected mentally and economically and the Trust assisted them with agricultural equipment, seed and insecticides and constructed 15 houses for them. The Trust was able to do all these things with generous donations from people who loved the late hero. The Trust had a very encouraging response from local and foreign donors until the last 18 months. But now it is in dire straits and might not be able to carry out its valuable services as in the past. This sad news deeply moved me when I spoke to Mrs. Lali Kobbekaduwa, Chairperson of the Trust, recently. I was in the habit of calling her sometimes to find out how she was keeping. Having an interest in this project, I asked how the Trust was going. Then she came out with these facts, but did not want this published in the papers. I explained the damage that might occur by keeping it secret and, most importantly that it was unfair by the people who loved the late General so much. She then agreed to have it published. 'People of our country are having peace after about 20 years of cruel ethnic war. But so many brave men have sacrificed their lives in the name of national peace and security. It is our duty to help those who have displayed such courage. So many families have been devastated by a senseless war. Some women have lost their husbands, and some children would never know who their fathers were, some parents will never see their sons and daughters. Of course, no donation however large would ever reverse what has happened. But those of us who are left, can only try to alleviate that pain, never erase it, and destined to live our lives burdened with that thought. This is a time where the country needs the services of a Trust of this nature. Is there anything better that we could do than strengthening the Lt. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa Trust on his 11th death anniversary?' Those who wish to assist in the name of this titan amongst the many gallant soldiers, who have made the ultimate sacrifice, may send their donations to: Lt. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa Trust, 52/1, Rosmead Place, Colombo 7., A/c No. 0050022757, Hatton National Bank, Main Branch. |
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| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
A true soldier who believed that Sri Lanka's separatist war could only
be solved by winning the hearts and minds of the people dedicated his life
for the purpose of making the Tigers weak militarily before any form of
political solution was sought.
