News
Gen. Wanasinghe dies at 91
Former Army Commander and ex- Defence Secretary, General Hamilton Wanasinghe, with a long service record during one of the most turbulent times in this country’s recent history, passed away yesterday (13) at the age of 91.
During the period of terrorism in the late ’80s and early ’90s (1988-1991), Gen. Wanasinghe provided invaluable service to protect the country. He passed away while undergoing treatment at the Army Hospital, in Narahenpita. He joined the Army as a cadet officer in 1954, received his basic military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He later rose through the ranks, starting as a Second Lieutenant and serving in various capacities in the Army.
Before becoming the Army Commander, he held numerous important positions within the Army. In 1988, he was appointed as the 11th Commander of the Army.
Wanasinghe retired from the Army in 1995, after which he held several prominent positions, including as the Director of Unified Operations and the Secretary of Defence in Sri Lanka.
Born at Malvana, Gampaha, he received his primary and secondary education at Ananda College in Colombo. A skilled athlete, he was also a member of the school’s cadet corps and held the rank of Major in the school’s rifle shooting team. Wanasinghe won numerous accolades during his school years as well as throughout his military career.
He also represented Sri Lanka in international rifle shooting competitions, including the Ceylon Inter-Dominion Rifle Shooting Championship. Gen. Wanasinghe was responsible for introducing the sniper unit in the Sri Lanka Army, which played a critical role in ending the country’s brutal civil war.
The final rites for General Hamilton Wanasinghe will take place on Sunday, 15 June, with full military honours, at the Army’s Memorial Grounds. His body is currently resting at his residence in Malvana, as confirmed by Army spokesperson Brigadier Varuna Gamage.
Additionally, his only son, Maj Gen. Sanjaya Wanasinghe, served as the 2nd Major General of the Regimental Headquarters of the Army. His wife was also a victim of a terrorist attack during the war period at Elephant Pass.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has announced a reduction in the prices of Petrol 92 and Petrol 95, effective from midnight today (30).
The price of Petrol 92 has been reduced by Rs. 15 per litre, from Rs. 414 to Rs. 399 while the price of Petrol 95 Octane has been reduced by Rs. 20 per litre, from Rs. 495 to Rs. 475
There will be no change in the prices of diesel, Super Diesel and kerosene under the latest revision.
The book “Rathuwewi Mihimadala”, written based on the life story of Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Leader of the Democratic Left Front, was launched on Friday [August 28] at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Speaking to the media afterwards about Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
“Vasudeva Nanayakkara is a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics, particularly within the left-wing political movement. There were several influential figures within the left movement, and that left-wing influence also contributed to bringing the country to where it is today. Politically, there were areas where we agreed and areas where we did not. However, I have great respect for the contribution made by Vasudeva Nanayakkara to left-wing politics. When I entered Parliament in 2020, Vasudeva Nanayakkara was also in Parliament. We sat in the same row, and we spoke about many important as well as interesting moments in his political career. I believe some of these experiences have also been included in this book.”
The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Speakers Karu Jayasuriya and Chamal Rajapaksa, as well as party members, family members and friends.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Sun directly overhead Mannar, Periyamadu, Puliyankulam, Welioya and Pulmoddai about 12.11 noon today (30)
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