Heart of Courage

Nilma Dole

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The Air Force continued to fight and fired mortar shells with maximum firepower but as fate may have had it, Sergent Kulatunga was struck in his leg and despite his injuries fought from his stationery position.

Eventually, the LTTE cadres did give up the fight to close in on their side and drew back. In an act of surrender, they were left without any weapons and had also lost many lives. From the Air Force team, there were some injured officers but not so serious.

On the 2nd of January 1995, 500 LTTE cadres attacked the Kanthure defence lines which was under the control of the Air Force when they were trying to penetrate from all sides. However, Sergent S. Kulatunga who was part of a 25 member squad tried as much as they could to salvage their side of the lines from the enemy.
Time: 0900hrs
Date: 03rd January 1995
Location: Morawewa

Sergent S. Kulatunga was in the forward defence lines when he along with his team could see around 500 LTTE cadres moving towards them in the horizon.

Eventually, he took his position at the base and was fighting with the mortar under the supervision of an Air Force officer. He fired and fought as much courage he could muster and didn't give up.

Right around, the environment was humid with little bouts of rain but he managed to secure the defence lines from his side with the help of his colleagues who was assisting him in this fight to hold on.

The LTTE cadres who initially moved from one side numbered to about 50 and after the attack, there were about 10-12 left which reflected how much they were successful in this pre-battle.

The Air Force continued to fight and fired mortar shells with maximum firepower but as fate may have had it, Sergent Kulatunga was struck in his leg and despite his injuries fought from his stationery position.

Eventually, the LTTE cadres did give up the fight to close in on their side and drew back. In an act of surrender, they were left without any weapons and had also lost many lives. From the Air Force team, there were some injured officers but not so serious.

The Morawewa-Trincomalee Road had turned muddy with rain whilst the battle finished and thereafter, the sun shone by the end of the day, signalling a victorious fight for the Air Force. The LTTE knew they hadn't got a chance when the defence lines were protected by the Air Force who prevented them from closing in any more.

Sergent Kulatunga hails from Udakumburu close to Kandy and had attended Vimalawardana Maha Vidyalaya. His older brother, a veteran in the Army inspired Kulatunga to join the forces. So after his Ordinary Level, he joined the Air Force because it helped him to train better and understand the various aspects of the battle from various points.

He was trained at China Bay and was also involved in the Jayasikuru Operation. Sergent Kulatunga had also received extensive training in handling 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 gives you a good career, and encourages you to protect your motherland.

Today, Sgt. Kulatunga serves at the Katunayake Base Airport where he is a member of the Air Force security team. Sgt. Kulatunga received the RSP for bravery shown in the face of enemy. He remains committed to help save the country from the claws of the terrorists.