Lieutenant General Denzil Lakshman Kobbekaduwa as we remember him...

Lieutenant General Denzil Lakshman Kobbekaduwa was born on 27th July 1940 and was educated at Trinity College, Kandy. In a college with a history of producing some of the best Rugby players he naturally took to the game and excelled at it. His other interest was the Army into which he was enlisted in May 1960. He was selected as an officer cadet and trained at the Royal Military Academy (RMA), Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom. He was posted on this return to the 1st Recce regiment, Armoured Corps and moved up from Second Lieutenant to Command his Regiment as a young Lieutenant Colonel.

Maintaining peace

There was no urgent need at the time for the Army to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation although there were a few occasions when it was required to maintain peace due to Trade union action and civil unrest due to political unrest. And these occasions were very few and far between. However, he was alive to the revolutionary change in many armies confronted by counter insurgency, guerilla and revolutionary warfare and the Sri Lanka Military and the Army in which he served was no exception. The Army had changed its role from internal security duties to ensure the maintenance of 'essential services' to the more critical task of preventing the very disintegration and survival of Sri Lanka.

Lieutenant General Denzil was one of the few officers who understood the capability of the Army, its officers and soldiers and the requirements of a modern fighting outfit to defeat 'Terrorism' and separatism. He was a stern disciplinarian but held no petty grudges against anyone, perhaps not even against his enemies. He attended Staff College Camberly, UK in the 1970's and served at Army Headquarters as General Staff officer. His main role was in the field where he excelled as a field commander. It was not smooth sailing all the way to the rank he held until his death in Araly 14 years ago, today. He knew what it was to be politically victimized twice in his career in 1965 and again in 1977 but these never interfered with his boundless energy and enthusiasm for his military duties. His senior officers insist that he never grumbled at whatever the tasks assigned to him. He always tried to give his best and worked hard so that this armed conflict cannot and shall not be left to be resolved by the future generations. He may not have succeeded but he surely inspired others to do so.

Friendly relationships

Lieutenant General Kobbekaduwa served in Jaffna and knew the northern province exceptionally well. He was one of the few Officers fortunate to have friendly relations with people in all walks of life anywhere he served which helped to lead his officers men. He did not consider anyone as 'subordinates' but only as 'comrades' who to a man were ready and willing to serve and die under him under the most trying circumstances. The first opportunity as a new Brigade commander was in May - June 1987 in operation 'Liberation One against the Tigers'. This operation was historic in many aspects. It was the first time the Army fielded a division consisting of three brigades with the participation of the Navy, the Air force and the Police. These were supported by elements from the civilian sector for purposes of maintaining civilian administration, medical facilities and ensuring the winning of 'hearts and minds' of the people. However Indian intervention prevented the successful completion of a successful beginning.

Lieutenant General Kobbekaduwa worked closely with Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne who began his career in the 1st Battalion, The Gemunu Watch and later as the first commanding officer raised the 1st Gajaba Infantry Regiment. They together worked tirelessly and were inseparables in all major operations as Operation 'Liberation One'. Lieutenant General Denzil was also involved in relieving troops holed out in the Jaffna fort without medical care, food and water. The 'Tigers' rained mortars at the Fort continuously resulting in many casualties which required urgent evacuation for medical support. The 'Tigers' do not have a history of humanitarian assistance to anyone. The people became more and more involved in the situation. Everyone demanded to know and showed great concern. They placed their faith in Lieutenant General Denzil- as he was popularly known- to take action. A daring helicopter rescue operation EAGLE was attempted and successfully executed.

Media briefing

General Denzil himself was present at the media briefing in Colombo to give the details to the waiting media. The relief of Elephant Pass besieged by the Tigers for over a month in 1991 mustering all their forces was the other major operation planned and executed by Lieutenant General Kobbekaduwa and Major General Wimalaratne. Elephant pass with over 1,000 troops without water, medical aid, food and running short on ammunition could not be provided with helicopters unable to land due to small arms, RPG and mortar fire raining on the base. Lieutenant Kobbekaduwa and Major General Wimalaratne led the trops personally to relieve the besieged troops at Elephant pass although it took few days to reach the base as troops had to be landed around Vettillaikerni on the coast.

Lieutenant General Kobbekaduwa was loved by all- there were always a few exceptions as can only be expected due to misguided professionalism. Perhaps the most important characteristic which was his most important single asset was that all troops were ready to follow him under the most trying conditions wherever he wanted them to be and even die for him. The entire nation mourned for Lieutenant General Kobbekaduwa. Unprecedented crowds mourned for him and came to pay their last respects.

They shall not grow old, as we

That are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun, and

In the morning

We will remember them

May He Attain Nirvana

(National Security)