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‘Heroes Forever’ is a series
dedicated to Army, Air Force, Navy and the Police personnel
who have gone beyond the call of duty. This is our token of
appreciation on behalf of the whole nation to recognize
their courage and determination.
Nilma
Dole
[email protected] |
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Corporal N. Tennekoon was a brave army soldier who fought tooth and
nail to ensure that a part of Jaffna (under govt. control) didn't fall
into the clutches of the LTTE. Leading his men at the borderline at a
time when the LTTE had obtained control of the First and Second Defence
Line, Corporal Tennekoon gave his life to prevent their penetration into
govt. controlled Jaffna. Here Sergeant Major Chandra relates the story
about how Corporal Tennekoon's valiant confrontation led to his
martyrdom. |
Date: 5th October 2000
Location: Jaffna
Time: 0230hrs
A key LTTE stronghold was located at the Jaffna Mulli junction where
a small village was also situated in the vicinity. Covered by jungle
right around, the area was somewhat developed but it had been scattered
with large LTTE bunkers.
Sgt. Major Chandra, reminiscing the incident said "At the time of our
confrontation, the LTTE managed to obtain control of the first and
second defence lines and it was our duty to prevent them from moving
further into our territory." He added that the strategy was to move in
little groups of three and destroy the bunkers by surprise offensives
while also gaining control of their side.
"We were positioned near a small pond near the Mulli junction and we
had decided on which tactic to be employed to take the LTTE cadres by
surprise and it was then that Corporal Tennekoon told me to get past the
pond and move on towards the left side while he would lead his team to
the left" said the Sgt. Leading their three-men team, Sgt. Major Chandra
said that Corporal Tennekoon was brave to venture into unknown terrain
and take the forefront position.
Sergeant Major Chandra said "When we reached the LTTE bunkers, we
found out that some LTTE aircraft flying overhead had been keeping an
eye on us and were now giving target positions to the bunkers to hit
us". Intense fighting started but since the army teams were scattered
all around, it was difficult for the LTTE cadres to accurately predict
where the army personnel were located. "We had an advantage due to our
dispersal all around so we defended ourselves with mortar and weapons
destroying the bunkers that had been built right in front" said the Sgt.
During the attack, Corporal Tennekoon who was trying to destroy the LTTE
bunkers from his side was unfortunately caught in by the fire coming
from the bunkers.
 "I knew there was intense fighting coming from the place where
Corporal Tennekoon's team ventured so I was hoping they would manage to
continue on". However, Corporal Tennekoon was struck at the stomach and
he immediately fell down. The other members of his team were injured but
alive.
While the fighting continued, word quickly passed to the air force
and an enforcement team quickly came in rescue to destroy the air-borne
LTTE. Further support from the Gemunu Watch and other armed personnel
came as reinforcements to suppress the LTTE. "We came off victorious
because of the support from our comrades in the armed forces who rushed
to help us since it was a big confrontation as the LTTE wanted to gain
complete control over Jaffna" said Sgt. Major Chandra.
After the confrontation, when the army cleared the area, they
discovered that five LTTE bodies were caught along with a loot of
rations, weapons and communication devices.
Corporal Tennekoon hails from the town of Nikaveratiya and attended
the local school there. He counted a little over 10 years of service to
the army upon his untimely demise. Sgt. Major Chandra said that Corporal
Tennekoon was a disciplined individual who was considerate of others and
will not hesitate to lead when asked to confront the enemy.
For giving up his life for his motherland, Corporal Tennekoon has
been awarded with the RWP. |
