Today is the first death anniversary of Col T.R. Meedin:

Irreparable loss to the country
 

by Aditha Dissanayake

"Last year he was here with me to discuss how we should celebrate Eid-ul-fitr. We were planning to buy dresses for our daughters..." recalls Mrs. Shamina Meedin, still trying to come to grips with her husband's death, even though an year has already passed since his assassination in the early hours of the morning by gunmen near their residence at Kiribathgoda.

Born on 27 July 1966 to a pious Islamic family in Hambantota, Lt. Col T.R. Meedin, Grade One Staff Officer of the Military Intelligence Corps was educated at St. Aloysius College, Galle...Following in his brother's footsteps and determined to safeguard the territorial integrity of his motherland, he joined the Sri Lanka Army as an officer cadet on 17 March 1986.

On completion of his basic military training at Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa, T.R. Meedin was commissioned to the 3rd Battalion, Sri Lanka Light Infantry as a Second Lieutenant. To his credit, he was promoted to the next senior rank of Lieutenant on 17 March 1989.

Military authorities identifying inner talents of young Lt. Meedin, offered him the opportunity to work with the Intelligence Section of the Joint Operation Command under the Ministry of Defence....He served in the operational areas for a longer period and rendered a yeoman service on intelligence matters that led the Army to many a success...In recognition of his bravery and service to the Nation, the Army conferred him gallantry awards and decorations such as...North and East Operational Medal,...Vadamarachchi Operational Medal..." (source: www.army.lk)

Recalling the events of the fateful day Shamina says "a person called Chamri known to us and who lives close by, came to our house with a stranger who was introduced to us as Chaminda (later he was identified as "Ice Manju"). They invited my husband to join them. I didn't want him to go. But he assured me he will be back as soon as possible and left in his car.

When he got late to come we called him and he assured us he will be home soon. But late in the night, Chamri called me to say "Ice Manju shot Sir. Sir is dead". I informed the Army and the body of my husband was found inside our car, close to our house".

Having served in the outstations and being away from home throughout his career Shamina says it was shortly before the assassination that he had finally come to work in Colombo and be with their two daughters, Rishanya, aged twelve and Shiranya, aged nine. "They were very close to their father.

The three of them always got on well together". Grateful to her husband's colleagues who she says have not deserted her, Sharmina, now living with her mother is still concerned about the security of her family.

"Chamri who was involved in the assassination is still around, and there is only my mother, the kids and me at home. Something might happen to us too". She voices her fears.

Empathizing with all the other war widows, Sharmina says life without her husband is unbearably hard. Having known him from their childhood days - they are cousins - she recalls her wedding day and the day her first child was born as the most cherished events of her life. "I still can't believe he is not with us any more." She voices the sentiments of every grieving widow.

An officer who will not be forgotten for his commitment, in the war against terrorism and for the significant contribution to defend the unity, sovereignty and integrity of Sri Lanka, the demise of Colonel T.R Meedin, is undoubtedly an irreparable loss to his Regiment, the Sri Lankan Army and all Sri Lankans who desire peace.