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On the 2nd of January 1995, 500 LTTE cadres attacked the defence lines of Kanthure which was under the control of the Air Force when they were trying to penetrate from all sides. However, Sergent L.S.Priyalal who was part of a 25 member squad and others tried as much as they could to salvage their side of the lines from the enemy.

Time       : 0900hrs
Date      : 03rd January 1995
Location: Morawa

Sergent L.S.Priyalal was at the forward defence line when he marched forward with his men and from there they could see 500 LTTE cadres moving towards them from the horizon. Thereafter, taking their positions at the base, they fought bravely by using mortar weaponry under the supervision of their Air Force Commander. Whilst firing, he managed to use as much courage as he could muster without giving up. Right around, the environment was humid with little bouts of rain but he managed to secure the defence line from his side with the help of his colleagues who were assisting him in the confrontation.

Managing to hold on, the LTTE cadres who initially came with armed force amounted to about 50. After the attack, there were about 10-12 from the remaining band reflecting how successful they were in clinching a taste of success in this pre-battle despite not being well armed when it happened.

The Air Force continued to fight and fired mortar with maximum firepower but as fate may have it, Sergent L.S.Priyalal was struck down at the leg and despite being injured, he fought with his maximum energy from his stationed position. Eventually, the LTTE cadres gave up the fight to close in on their side and drew back. In an act of surrendering, they were left without any weapons and had lost many lives. From that Air Force team, there were some injured officers but nobody was close to death which was a good sign. The Morawa-Trincomalee road was then muddy with rain whilst the battle finished and thereafter, the sun shone towards the end of the day, signalling a victorious fight for the Air Force. The LTTE knew they didn't have a chance when the defence lines were bravely protected by the Air Force who prevented them from closing in any more.

Sergent L.S.Priyalal comments that there are certain days when the LTTE attacks are opposed to the other days and these can be specific dates in the beginning and at the end of the month, so the Air Force has carefully learnt of the LTTE battle plan and are always ready to face any challenge.

Sergent L.S.Priyalal hails from the town of Anniwatte close to Kandy and has attended Darmaraja College Kandy. His older brother, a veteran in the army inspired Sergent L.S.Priyalal to join the armed forces. So after his Ordinary Levels, he got into the Air Force because it allowed him to train better and understand various aspects of battle from various points. He trained at China Bay and was involved in the Jayasikuru operation. Sergent L.S.Priyalal has obtained extensive handling of weapons and is a ground handler for the Air Force with knowledge of the ways in which the LTTE cadres behave underground. He advises the younger generation that the Air Force is a good career, and for the future you can step up better with regard to your career and help protect your motherland. Today, he offers his services at the Katunayake Base Airport where he is the member of the Air Force security team. Sergent L.S.Priyalal has received the RSP for bravery shown in the face of war.