Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa, who led from the front

Fifteenth death anniversary on Wednesday:

by Major Ramani Kangaraarachchi

Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa

On the 8th of August in 1992, a landmine planted by the LTTE killed Lt General Denzil Kobbekaduwa and the cream of the top military brass, Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha, Colonel H. R. Stephen, Major Nalin Alwis, Colonel Yasodha Palipana, Colonel T. Ariyaratna, Lt Commander Asanga Lankatilaka, Lt Commander Chandima Vijayapura, and Corporal Jagath Wickramaratna at Arali Point while riding in their vehicles out a tactical mapping operation. Never has this country of ours, was ever jolted with a shocking news of this nature, plunging the nation into mourning.

A great military leader beloved by his men, respected by his colleagues and loved by the people, so much so his death is still being missed. We can atleast be proud that we still have a few gallant heroes trained by him and trod along tracing the Tiger trail.

Major Nalin Alwis	Colonel T. Ariyaratna
Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha	Lt Commander Asanga Lankatilaka
Lt Commander Chandima Vijayapura	Corporal Jagath Wickramaratna

Colonel H. R. Stephen	Colonel Yasodha Palipana

The country must ensure that we commemorate such leaders with a view to educate and motivate our younger generations. This article is not only a tribute to those heroes but also to enlighten the young ones.

Lt General Denzil Lakshman Kobbekaduwa was born on July 27, 1940 into a wealthy family in Kandy as the second child of four. He had his education at Trinity College, Kandy, where he excelled in sports specially in rugby.

He joined the Sri Lanka Army in May 1960 and proceeded to UK to undergo his basic military training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. On successful completion of his training he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant to the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps on 3rd August 1962.

As a young officer, Lt Kobbekaduwa was a cheerful, energetic and efficient officer, who won the heart of every person who acquainted with him. He excelled as an exciting rugby player having played for his school, regiment, Army, the Defence Services and Sri Lanka.

He also contributed tremendously to the uplift of rugby in Sri Lanka by refereeing, coaching and administering this game. During his career he showed his ability in his profession and in the field of sports as a dynamic leader in both fields which enabled him to lead the country to win the highest laurels at all levels.

He was also a capable instructor who trained officers and men of his own regiment, the Armoured Corps, cadets and young officers at the Sri Lanka Military Academy and students of the first staff course at KDA.

He also took a keen interest in the security of Colombo and trained officers and men from all the three services and the Police in high intensity security operations and the gathering of intelligence. His dedicated interests in training enabled many officers and men to benefit from his vast experience and knowledge. He was a competitive, inspiring and courageous leader who had a varied career.

It was in 1979 that General Kobbekaduwa was posted to Jaffna with the initial selected team of officers to wipe out terrorism in the North. From this period upto 1992 he had been a frontline officer who through his aptitude, dedication, determination and efforts tried to bring peace by winning the hearts and minds of the people.

He made a tremendous contribution to the defence and security of this country. He was instrumental in research and development to the use of armour and mechanised vehicles which enhanced the tactical mobility of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

During his 31 year career he followed several courses in UK . His contribution to the Royal College of Defence Studies in 1989, through his vast operational experience has been highly rated by his colleagues and directing staff. His qualities as a man and a soldier has made them predict a bright future for this gallant officer.

During his distinguished military career he had been duly recognised by being awarded Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal, Army 25th Anniversary Medal, President's Inauguration Medal, Armed Services Long Service Medal, Vadamarachchi Operation Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama and Rana Wickrama Padakkama . He was posthumously awarded Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya , Ranasura Padakkama (twice), Uttama Seva Padakkama and Desha Puthra Sammanaya .

In January 1990 he assumed duties as General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Panagoda. However with the outbreak of the North-East conflict in June 1990 he had to take the responsibilities of assisting the troops in the Eastern Province. His success at this difficult operation saw him being inducted to the Northern province as GOC 2 Division where he had to continue operations against the terrorists.

His brilliant Generalship enabled the Sri Lankan Armed Forces to break the seige at the Elephant Pass Army Camp by a very successful and unprecedented amphibious operation in the annals of our military history. This operation was planned and executed under tremendous pressure and trying conditions. But this memorable victory turned the tables in favour of our forces.

General Kobbekaduwa had a natural flair to be bold ,ability to correctly assess the situation, conceive many original and workable plans, inspire his troops with confidence in his will to win and his absolute determination to execute the task despite all obstacles which made him the most able gentleman General to the core.

His charming character enabled him to make friends with religious and community leaders where his awareness of the problems, and quick solutions, appreciation of the suffering of the masses of this country quickly made him rise in stature and reputation.

General Kobbekaduwa dedicated his efforts through discussion and deliberation for a joint solution to peace, which was well received by the politicians, government officials, NGOs, religious dignitaries social workers, and above all by the common people of this country.

This Sandhurst - trained soldier General was undoubtedly the man for the crisis, where his sole effort was to secure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka whilst protecting peace loving citizens of this country. He dedicated himself to defend and provide security to our motherland, which undoubtedly will be a hallmark in our history.

The whole nation will salute you forever Sir, except for a few malicious critics, for reasons best known to them, who could not bear your excellent leadership even after 15 years of your death. It is the duty of patriots of this country to set up a museum in the name of this great leader to preserve his fragrance of humanity and excellent leadership for the sake of our younger generation before they get misled by undesirable elements in the future.

An alms-giving for the poor people of Thantirimale village much loved by him will be organised by the family members of late General Kobbekaduwa, this year as well, on Wednesday next.