Features

Upali Wijewardene – an enigma and a legend

Published

3 years ago

2021/10/24

by Ajith Samaranayake

Between Sri Lanka’s 35th independence anniversary and his birthday Upali Wijewardene boarded his executive Lear Jet at Kuala Lumpur and in a single fateful flash became solidified into an enigma and a legend. The flamboyant tycoon who had left with five others never arrived in Colombo. Somewhere over the Straits of Malacca the plane disappeared with not a clue or a trace.

The drama held the nation in its grip for months. Newspapers reported little else except the mystery of the disappearance. Speculation spread like a bush fire and as the days passed with no news the most fantastic cloak and dagger theories were spun. People gathered by the roadside to listen to the radio news bulletins and strangers become friends as they speculated about the fate of a man who was one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved sons.

Destined

For Philip Upali Wijewardene it was a strangely fitting apotheosis. It was as if his whole colourful career was destined for this final peak, this sudden and dramatic exit just as he was in the very centre of the public eye, a glorious accession to the heights of myth and legend.

For Upali’s life was of the kind which dreams are made of Though born to one of the most distinguished families in Colombo and into a charmed circle which constituted Sri Lanka’s ruling elite, Upali had carved out a career in an area totally aline to that class. He did not take to law or medicine or pursue an academic career as the more favoured sons of this affluent, anglicised and genteel elite were wont to do. Neither did he take to politics. On the contrary with nothing much except the most rudimentary capital and confidence in his own abilities he began a confectionery industry and business in a part of his ancestral home where such brushes with crude commerce had never before taken place. Down the years this fledgling business he was able to build and expand into a mighty conglomerate, Sri Lanka’s only multinational, until he acquired a worldwide reputation as Sri Lanka’s leading entrepreneur, an enterprising and shrewd businessman who could hold his own with the best of them in New York, London or Bonn.

But by February 13, that fateful day which again confirmed the hold of superstition, Upali’s mind was not preoccupied with his businesses alone. For about two years politics had replaced business as his central passion. The man who had conquered the commanding heights of commerce now wanted to conquer the commanding heights of politics. And like everything else he did, he wanted to do it soon.

In 1981 he had founded The Island and the Divaina which had immediately become the eye of the political storm. Their vigorous reporting and comments which did not spare even some of the most powerful politicians of the ruling UNP came as a stirring antidote to the flabby, tame-cat Lake House press which was then dominating journalism. Readers lapped up the new offerings avidly.

Upali Wijewardene’s name was bandied about freely in Parliament. He made no secret of the fact that he wanted to enter Parliament and become finance minister which raised the hackles of the Finance Minister, the fiercely combative Mr. Ronnie de Mel. It became quite commonplace for the bespectacled and owlish Minister to hurl fearsome thunderbolts at the absent Upali in Parliament while we parliamentary reporters of The Island in the absence of our owner became surrogates for the ministerial fury and the embarrassed focus of the eyes of our colleagues in the crowded press gallery of the old Parliament by the sea.

Following year

The following year was to be one of the most crucial in Sri Lanka’s politics. President Jayewardene, Upali’s cousin and mentor, called an early Presidential Election, and in the absence of his normal rival Mrs. Sirima Bandaranaike, incapacitated by her loss of civic rights, easily beat former Minister Hector Kobbekoduwa fielded by an SLFP in tatters. Then claiming that there was a Naxalite conspiracy to assassinate him if he had lost and claiming further that if General Elections were held on schedule a sizeable number of these horrendous Naxalites would enter Parliament he held a Referendum which the UNP won amidst widespread claims of thuggery, ballot-rigging, etc.

Anyway Upali was loyally by Jayewardene’s side during both campaigns, campaigning vigorously for the UNP at Kamburupitiya, his mother’s ancestral village, for which he had done much through his Ruhunu Udanaya programme for improving the conditions of villages in the South. The south he considered his heartland and it was from the South that he sought to enter Parliament for which there were vacancies even as he boarded his Lear Jet that day in the Malaysian capital.

Elections

For what had happened was that Jayewardene had asked for and received the resignations of 17 members of Parliament who had lost their electorates at the Referendum. Parliament had just been convened for the new session of the Second Jayewardene Presidency and the guns had boomed and the Jayamangala Gathas had been chanted. As that irrepressible Communist MP, the much lamented late Sarath Muttettuwegama quipped, “There was a 21-gun salute only the other day. And now 17 of you are gone.” Among the vacancies were Kamburupitiya and Devinuwara either of which Upali was planning to contest.

This was the backdrop to Upali’s destiny which during the next few weeks would hold the nation in its grip and virtually bring the country to a standstill. Among those on board with Upali in the plane which had left Malaysia’s Subang Airport at 8.41 p.m. on February 13 were Mr. Ananda Pelimuhandiram, the whiz kid Financial Director of the Upali Group and one of his most trusted lieutenants, a Malaysian lawyer Mr. S. M. Ratnam and Steward Mr. A. Senanayake. The jet was piloted by Capt. Noel Anandappa with Mr. Sidney de Zoysa as co-pilot.

They were to have reached Colombo by 9.45 p.m. that night but they did not come. Neither did they come the next day. By the morning of Monday February 14 Colombo was agog with the news. Soon it spread everywhere and the people paused in awe and wonderment as the enormity of the event sank into the public consciousness. Upali Wijewardene had mysteriously vanished with his three companions and two navigators leaving not a clue behind somewhere in that vast and empty night sky over Malaysia.

On Tuesday February 15 The Island, ‘Upali’s beloved flagship, broke the news soberly. Over a banner headline “Plane carrying Upali Wijewardene feared lost”. it told its readers that the jet had lost radio contact with the airport just 15 minutes after take off. The last message had said that the aircraft was at an altitude of 27,000 feet. Indonesia and Malaysia had launched a joint air and sea search operation but had failed to find any debris of an aircraft.

At The Island that Monday it was like something out of a novel by Kafka. We were in a daze. Was it possible that six people on board an aircraft in this miraculous age of technology could disappear without a trace? People huddled about the corridors talking, absorbing the news only slowly while the telephones rang incessantly as the other newspapers were getting in touch with us for the latest. But we could do little to shed light on the mystery. The most intensive search by several governments could not yield a single clue. These headlines from the papers which followed convey the flavour of those bizarre days.

February 16 —Air, sea search for Upali Wijewardene continues. Aussie plane may have seen missing jet.

February 17— Three planes with sophisticated equipment comb the ocean. No results yet from seven-notion search.

A flare and a weak signal but search proves negative. Search for missing plane in Andaman Island.

February 18 – Search for missing jet narrows to coastal area round Sumatra. Lear Jet reps suspect sabotage.

Wreckage

On the same day something happened which could well have been the tragic denouement of the whole drama but which was aborted at the last moment. On the afternoon of that Friday a Reuter report was received that the wreckage of the private jet and several bodies had been found off the Indonesian island of Sumatra. I was in Fort at the time having taken a brief respite from the bleak house at Bloemendhal Road. With me at one of Fort’s many hospitable hostelries where we were drinking more than usual was Joe Segera, the Daymon Runyonesque Lake House story teller and chronicler of Canal Row and Chandra S. Perera, the always nattily-dressed NBC reporter and man about town.

Slowly the story spread through Canal Row, Hospital Street and Baillie Street and people reacted with shock and grief. More pints were drunk and our senses numbed somewhat by what we had taken Chandra who had known Upali in London and had common friends with him and I repaired to Bloemendhal Road. There we were told by Editor Vijitha Yapa who had worked frenziedly during those days to bring out the paper in the midst of the tension that Reuter had denied the story within the hour. The next day The Island reported that it had been besieged with telephone calls following the story breaking. Reuters, Hong Kong had been contacted and The Island told ‘The story will be held back’, it reported.

And so the days passed. More headlines.

February 19 — Divers too join search near Sumatra. Another frustrating day of search.

February 21 — Top Sri Lanka cops arrive in KL for investigation.

Sabotage not ruled out.

February 22 — Wheel found by fishermen did come from Lear Jet. Oil slick found near Kumana not from Lear Jet. February 23 —Minesweepers deployed in Indonesia today to find Jet. Identification of Lear Jet wheel narrows search area. February 24 — If Lear Jet wheel was spare explosion may have occurred.

February 25 —Fishermen cleared: Minesweeper move into find jet. There was no black box on missing Lear Jet. February 26 — PM answers questions on Upali.

Unsolved

And so that unusually short month petered out sadly with the riddle unsolved. On the last day of February The Island headline was ‘Lalith thinks sabotage is likely cause of crash’. Under the by line of Lasantha Wickremetunge it said that the then Minister of Trade and Shipping Lalith Athulathmudali who had returned from Indonesia on February 26 as President Jayewardene’s special envoy had said that there were three possibilities for the disappearance of which the most likely was sabotage. Of the other possibilities, pilot error and a defect in the aircraft were most unlikely. Mr. Athulathmudali also stressed that his investigations had shown that Mr. Wijewardene had no commercial enemies. In a box in the same story the paper reported ‘Temporary halt to search’ saying that since the area searched by the minesweeper had yielded no clues the search; was being abandoned and would resume if fresh evidence is uncovered. Only a single wheel — the right outbourne wheel — of the whole aircraft was found.

And so ended a drama which had electrified the country that cruel month of February and still continues to bemuse the people. What happened to Upali? is still the most popular question asked by friends and acquaintances from anybody connected with the Upali Group. Upali fascinated the people in life and now that he is no longer to be found, lost somewhere in the vast ethereal emptiness, he has become a legend and a cult which continues to enthral the people. What would have happened if he had arrived in Colombo that February night with politics entering a fresh phase and plunged into what would have undoubtedly been d stormy political career will remain one of the most fascinating “Ifs”, of our contemporary political history.

Enigmatic fate

But what is clear is that the enigmatic fate of the man who built a commercial empire from nothing and captured a nation’s heart will always be looked upon with wonderment by them. Whether Upali could have stormed the commanding heights of politics by using the methods of advertising and self-promotion which he so successfully used in his business enterprises we will never know. Yet, like Icarus who flew but went too close to the sun so that his wings melted, the strange and fascinating destiny of Upali Wijewardene, Sri Lanka’s first tycoon who also chose the sun as his symbol, will always be a glorious legend of our times.

Newspaper

Looking back across ten more eventful years several memories crowd the mind. The memory which stands out most prominently is that of the collective effort to bring out the paper in the midst of the most terrible tension which could have pervaded any newspaper office. Editor Vijitha Yapa who was a loyal friend of Upali had to battle his feelings while he held the fort in the news room keeping in constant touch with the latest developments and answering the questions of local and foreign journalists. For him and Deputy Editor and News Editor Gamini Weerakoon it was a trial of endurance which they magnificently stood up to. Looking at the paper to which thousands turned during that fateful month for news of its proprietor there is no sign of the almost unbearable tension with which we were working.

Upali Mahattaya

Several days on end we did not go home and the bleak reaches of the night were spent on the bare office tables with the late K. C. Kulasinghe as my companion. Or some nights would be spent in the grimy digs of D. B. S. Jeyaraj located quite close to the Premil Sports Club which was often the hub of our social life where the owner, the late Rajendra Mudalali, would approach us sombrely, always dressed in spotless white sarong and shirt and inquire ‘Any news of Upali Mahattaya?’ And in the morning the sun would rise over the splendid dome of St. Lucia’s Cathedral and we would search the vast sky for an answer.

(This article first appeared in a supplement to mark the 10th anniversary of the disappearance of Upali Wijewardene and party on Feb 13, 1993)

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Features

Virulence of identity politics heightens as Mid-East peace hopes fade

Published

2 hours ago

2024/10/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Protesters commemorating the October 7th violence in the Middle East.

Very rightly, important sections of world opinion are commemorating the Hamas-initiated terror attack of October 7th last year on Israeli civilians in southern Israel which triggered the current spiral of unsettling bloodshed in the Middle East. Prospects of initiating a fresh peace effort in the region are bleak at the moment but it is probably comforting for particularly humanists the world over to note that more and more responsible public personalities and entities are calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.

It is equally important that the latter sections are also voicing the need for the implementation of the sensible ‘Two State’ solution in the Middle East. The latest of prominent political leaders to call for a political solution on these lines was New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on record as stating that; ‘There is simply no military action that will reduce regional tensions and conflict’, while underscoring the need for the ‘Two State solution’.

The latter solution has come in for criticism over the decades in some quarters as unlikely to proving effective, but the rationally-inclined among the world community are not likely to perceive an alternative to it and very rightly so. Given the highly horrific character of the present bloodshed in the Middle East, only the sadistic and emotionally unstable are likely to continue to advocate a military solution to the crisis.

However, there is no denying that the road to peace in the Middle East would prove to be rocky and hazardous. One factor that has been getting in the way of a political solution is the persistence of virulent identity politics on both sides of the divide.

For instance, the current protests globally over the October 7th bloodletting clearly indicate a marked polarity of opinion on questions growing out of the conflict. To all intents and purposes there is an accelerated ‘crowding out’ and stifling of moderate opinion advocating a peaceful solution to the crisis on both sides of the divide.

That is, hardline opinion springing from irrational loyalty to religious and ethnic identities has come to the fore in both predominant camps; the Israelis and the Palestinians. The persistence of such polarities would majorly hamper any peace moves.

On the Israeli side, the charge is being led by no less a person than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His recent addresses to the UN General Assembly and the Lebanese public, for example, had the effect of killing all hope of the international community and other sections even attempting to resolve the conflict by political means. The essential thrust of his addresses was that Israel would stop at nothing until all terror groups in the enemy camp were militarily eliminated.

Netanyahu has the staunch backing of his defense establishment which is dominated by religious fundamentalists. That is, Jewish religious texts are coming to be interpreted most literally. The scripture is taken at face value. The word of the sacred law takes paramount precedence over its spirit, from the viewpoint of such fundamentalist national leaders.

This is how bloodshed comes to be repaid with bloodshed. Retributive Justice and not humanity comes to guide these policymakers. ‘A fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth..’, thus runs the logic of these religious hardliners. It ought to be plain to see that until those hostile to Israel are rooted out ‘tooth and nail’, the war against Hamas and its militant backers, local and foreign, would continue.

Unfortunately the Palestinian side too is dominated by religious hardliners who are committed to destroying Israel. From the time of the Jewish state’s inception it has come to be seen by Palestinian hardliners as the archetypal enemy which needs to be eliminated by military means. In this destructive project they are staunchly backed by the Islamic theocratic state of Iran which is ardently committed to seeing an end to Israel; which for Iran, is the number one enemy state of the Islamic world or ‘the rabid dog of the US.’

Thus, given that neither Israel nor Palestine is for making peace under their current leaders it would not be wrong to infer that both sides are locked in a conflict that promises mutual destruction. Nor could it be presumed that a cessation of the supply of lethal arms to Israel by the US and its allies would prompt the Israeli leadership to consider going in for a negotiated solution.

The fallaciousness of the latter line of thinking is borne out by the fact that since its inception, Israel has, when the situation demanded it, stood up alone against its enemies and defeated them on even several geographical fronts.

It would not be wrong to infer from the foregoing that Israel would even fight ‘on its own steam’, irrespective of whether it would be having external backing or not. However, a guarantee by the Palestinian side and its backers of Israel’s future security and its physical wholeness and integrity could see a de-escalation of the conflict.

Until the latter development comes to pass, therefore, along with a similar guarantee being made by Israel to Palestine, prospects of seeing a cessation of the current bloodshed in the Middle East could be described as bleak.

However, a final peace in the Middle East is a much bigger, complex issue that could be only taken on by perhaps the UN, once there is a drastic reduction in the present bloodletting. Besides a commitment by the Palestinian side to ensure the security of Israel and a like guarantee by the latter to Palestine, the highly knotty issue of identity politics needs to be resolved by both sides in cooperation with the international community to pave the way for permanent peace.

This is an uphill task considering that identity politics is kept alive by ambitious politicians for the furtherance of their power designs. In fact the challenge is for the entirety of the world’s democracies. As has been pointed out in this column previously, one way to meet this challenge is for the UN to play a predominant role in encouraging democratic change worldwide.

The UN could increasingly, for instance, tie its assistance to the more repressive states on the condition that the latter would be accountable to their people, rid them of repressive control and foster democratic institutions and values within their borders. This could help in blunting the appeal of identity politics for populist leaders and their regimes but, admittedly, this a long gestation, challenging project. However, this process needs to be initiated majorly going forward, considering the mounting human and material costs of identity politics, as is the case in the Middle East.

Features

Nation’s Defender Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

Published

2 hours ago

2024/10/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

One of the Unicorn/Unibaffle vehicle built by the Sri Lanka Army

This year marks a milestone for the Sri Lanka Army as it celebrates its diamond anniversary—75 years of unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Since its inception on 10 October 1949, Sri Lanka Army has stood at the forefront of national security, defending the motherland and its people against visible or invisible challenges. At the moment where the institution celebrates its diamond jubilee on 10 October 2024, it is the prime time to honour the sacrifices of all who contributed to shape this illustrious journey from then to the present leadership.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, who played a pivotal role in humanitarian operations to end a 30-year prolonged war, currently, serves as the 24th Commander of the Army. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka Army continues to uphold its dedicated mission of defending the nation progressively. His leadership, shaped by years of experience and valour, reflects the unyielding commitment of the institution towards its duties and responsibilities. The current Commander-in-Chief, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, also plays a vital role in guiding the Army’s vision and progress, alongside Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) to fulfill the aspirations of the Nation in the coming years.

Legacy of Sacrifice and Valour

Helping the nation face natural disasters

The Sri Lanka Army’s history is deeply connected with the nation’s struggle to maintain sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Its role in the elimination of the prolonged terrorism for thirty years is one of the most defining chapters in its legacy. Valourous and dedicated troops of the Sri Lanka Army successfully terminated the bitter, decades-long menace of terrorism, which tore apart families and communities, on 18 May 2009, bringing hope for a new beginning. The internal war began with the assassination of Jaffna Mayor Alfred Duraiappah in 1975 by Velupillai Prabhakaran, culminating in a hard-earned victory, paying blood and tears of thousands of soldiers and civilians.

The Humanitarian Operations against Fourth Eelam War, launched on 26 July 2006, under the command of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa marking a decisive turning point in the nation’s history. The operation, named “Eastern Humanitarian Operation,” aimed to restore basic needs and protect civilians from the atrocities committed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The war reached a critical point when the LTTE blocked the Mavil Aru sluice gate, depriving 30,000 civilians’ access to the water. This marked the beginning of a humanitarian effort to liberate the area to secure the region bringing peace.

Following the Eastern Humanitarian Operation, the focus shifted to the North, where the LTTE had consolidated its power. The Northern Humanitarian Operation, initiated with the goal of liberating the Northern Province, was an arduous and strategically complex task. A key moment in this operation was the capture of the Silavathura Sea Tiger base in 2007 – a crucial supply hub for the LTTE. The combined Armed forces of the Army and Navy decisively captured the north- west supply hub of the foe, and by September 2, the camp had been captured.

The ultimate victory in May 2009 not only signified the end of terrorism in Sri Lanka but also opened a new chapter for the country. Yet, it came at an enormous cost. Over 23,562 Army personnel were either killed or reported missing in action, and more than 23,200 were injured. However, Sri Lanka Army’s immense sacrifices were recognised through numerous gallantry awards and accolades totalling 33131, which included 29 Parama Weera Vibhushanaya (PWV), the nation’s highest military honour awarded for supreme heroism, along with 18 Weerodara Vibhushanaya (WV), 312 Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya (WWV), 5,101 Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP), and 27,671 Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) medals.

Nation Building and Rehabilitation

Demining the former war zone

While the Army’s primary mission is to safeguard national security, its contributions to post-war rehabilitation, reconciliation and nation-building have been equally commendable. After the end of the war, the Army took a leading role in rehabilitating and resettling displaced civilians and ex combatants in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, working tirelessly to restore normalcy in war-torn areas. These efforts helped to mend the fabric of society, enabling communities to heal and rebuild their lives.

The Army’s involvement in national development has extended far beyond its main responsibility. It has played a significant role in assuring best healthcare service, infrastructure development, education, agriculture, and cultural reconciliation initiatives. Through projects such as the “East Navodaya” number of infrastructure initiatives and a range of agricultural ventures initiated contributing to the country’s economic progress. Successful agricultural projects have launched at Vellankum, Menik Farm, Adiapulianthulam, Neeraviya, Kandakadu, Galkanda, Balella, Yala Palatupana Farm and Aralaganwila Agricultural Training School, Army Headquarters Agricultural Project, Kohilawagurawatta Regimental Farm helping to boost food security and contribute to the development of nation’s agricultural production. In addition, the agri projects initiated by the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock at every Army Camp have successfully progressed achieving their desired objectives.

In line with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision for a self-sustaining Army, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu has overseen the expansion of agricultural initiatives across the country. Notably, the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock has expanded projects to produce food for the Army’s consumption. The surplus harvest is delivered to the public through government programmes. In 2024, the Army successfully handed over 10 metric tons of rice to the government’s rice subsidy programme, marking a significant step toward reducing the Army’s dependence on government funds for rations.

The modernisation of the Weyangoda Machinery Complex as Army Ordnance Industries, is another major achievement. The facility, once abandoned, has been revitalised to manufacture essential goods such as iron bed products, hardware, garment products, tyre re-stitching, bed sheets and pillows etc, uniforms required for training recruits, shorts, helmets, work clothes, t-shirts, all types of packs, raincoats, ponchos capes, vehicle canopies. All types of camping tents, belts, all types of belts, assault jackets, flak jackets and other special equipment worn by officers and other Ranks are also produced in the factory, saving millions in foreign exchange and reducing procurement costs up to 40%.

The degree of self-sufficiency achieved highlights the Sri Lanka Army’s broader economic contribution, which extends beyond the battlefield.

Responding to National Emergencies and Disasters

Enabling the nation’s battle against the Covid-19 pandemic

The Sri Lanka Army has also consistently demonstrated its readiness to assist the nation during natural disasters and national emergencies. From the 2004 Tsunami to the Meethotamulla landslide and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sri Lanka Army has been at the forefront of rescue and relief operations. In particular, the establishment of the Sri Lanka Army Centre for Disaster Response Training in Gampola is a significant milestone that marks the Army’s proactive approach in preparing for future disasters. This centre offers research and training in civil-military operations, ensuring the ability of the Sri Lanka Army to handle both domestic and international crises.

Moreover, the Army’s commitment to restraining illegal activities such as drug trafficking further underscores its role as a guardian of the nation’s in the perspectives of its social fabric. Under the direction of the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, the troops have ramped up intelligence and operational efforts to curb the menace of narcotic drugs, seizing quantities of hashish, kush, and other illicit substances to safeguard future generations from the perils of addiction.

International Recognition in Peacekeeping

The Sri Lanka Army has also earned international acclaim for its contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Since its first deployment, Sri Lankan troops have been deployed in conflict zones worldwide such as Haiti, Lebanon, South Sudan, the Republic of Chad, and Mali. To date, more than 20,775 soldiers have served under the UN flag, earning Sri Lanka close to $300 million in foreign exchange.

Adding to its list of achievements, the Sri Lanka Army has developed the Unicorn/Unibaffle vehicles, which are used in UN peacekeeping missions. Manufactured by the Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps (SLEME), these vehicles used at Sri Lankan Combat Convoy Company comply with international standards, saving significant foreign exchange while enhancing the Army’s technical capabilities.

Excellence in Sports

Boosting Covid-19 vaccination drive

Sri Lanka Army has long demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of sports, both in national and international arena. Apart from the main role as the defender of the nation, Sri Lanka Army also contributed to the nation’s sporting achievements across various disciplines fostering unity and harmony. From cricket to boxing and rugby, archery, sepak takraw, javelin throw, kayaking, the Sri Lanka Army has consistently excelled producing talented athletes who have achieved the national and international levels.

Warrant Officer II Samitha Dulan earned the silver medal in the Paralympics F-44 Javelin throw, marking a significant global accomplishment. Corporal Aruna Dharshana and Staff Sergeant Nadeesha Lekamge earned the proud honour of representing Sri Lanka at the Paris Olympics while Staff Sergeant Nadeesha Ramanayake won the gold medal in the 400 meters at the Asian Athletics Championship, ending a 23-year gold medal drought for Sri Lanka.

National caps in cricket, Ajantha Mendis, and Seekuge Prasanna, Dinesh Chandimal and Mahesh Theekshana are the proud products of the Sri Lanka Army in the field of Sports. The Army’s rugby and volleyball teams have consistently demonstrated excellence in both local and international arenas, reflecting the Army’s commitment to nurturing and fostering athletic talent.

Looking to the Future

As the Sri Lanka Army celebrates its 75th anniversary, it continues to honour its legacy of valour and service further for the wellbeing of the Nation. The Army’s unwavering dedication to the nation—whether in times of war or peace—remains at the core of its identity. From protecting the country’s borders to rebuilding communities and contributing to national development, the Sri Lanka Army’s role has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The Army’s vision for the future includes self-reliance in food production by 2030, further modernisation of its industrial capabilities, and continued leadership in disaster management and national security. As the nation moves forward, the Sri Lanka Army will undoubtedly continue to be the proud defender of the motherland, embodying the spirit of sacrifice, resilience, and unity that has continued for 75 years.

– Sri Lanka Army Media

Features

Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2024…oozing with talent

Published

2 hours ago

2024/10/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Chit-Chat
Melloney Dassanayaka

The judges have certainly made the right decision in selecting Melloney Dassanayaka to represent Sri Lanka at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant to be held in Mexico.

Melloney not only won the prestigious title of Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2024 but she also took the honours in the categories Best Catwalk and Most Elegant in Evening Dress.

Melloney says she is looking forward to the international event with great expectation and is confident of doing Sri Lanka proud, in Mexico.

“I’m also excited about checking out the scene in Mexico and, maybe, also do some sightseeing with the rest of the contestants.”

A banker by profession, working for Standard Chartered Bank, she also actively participates in various extracurricular activities within the bank. Melloney is a member of the bank’s Diversity and Inclusive Council and have previously been a part of the Women’s Association.

In addition, she is the captain of the bank’s basketball team, and was adjudged the most valuable player at last year’s Mercantile Tournament. What’s more, she works part-time as a TV host, which allows her to explore her passion for media, she says.

I had a very interesting chit-chat with this extremely talented and versatile beauty queen, and this is how it all went…

1. How would you describe yourself?

I’m a go-getter who is deeply motivated to reach my full potential. I thrive on challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. My self-motivation drives me to pursue my goals relentlessly, and I believe in perseverance – no matter how difficult the situation, I never give up.

2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change anything about myself. I believe every aspect of who I am has shaped my journey and contributed to my strengths and resilience. I appreciate my experience and qualities, as they’ve all played a vital role in making me who I am today.

3. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

It would be to tone down the noise a bit. While I love their enthusiasm and energy, sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. A little more quiet time would be nice, but I wouldn’t trade their vibrancy for anything.

4. School?

I attended St. Lawrence’s Convent Wellawatte and then Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya. During my school days, I was highly active and took part in several leadership roles, including leading the school Eastern band, captaining both the basketball and netball teams, and serving as a junior prefect. I also had the honour of vice captaining the Sri Lanka schools’ basketball team.

5. Happiest Moment?

Seeing the joy in my parents’ eyes when I was crowned Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2024.

6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of perfect happiness is to live fully in the moment, without worrying about how long it will last. It’s about embracing and enjoying the things I truly love and creating lasting memories. I believe that true happiness comes from cherishing those experiences and the connections I make along the way. I also need to add that I have four doggies with me and they give me a lot of happiness. In fact, the fourth I adopted just recently.

7. Are you Religious?

Yes, I am. I believe that religion plays an important role in our lives, as it teaches us valuable lessons and provides a sense of calmness in our minds and souls. It reminds us to be grateful and encourages us to uplift and be compassion to one another.

8. Are you Superstitious?

No, I’m not.

9. Your ideal guy?

My ideal guy is someone who truly understands me and shares similar values. He should make me a priority and, most importantly, respect me. I value a motivated person who strives to be the best version of themselves and complements my life. It’s essential that he cherishes our love and stands by my side through thick and thin.

10. Which living person do you most admire?

Not one but four, I admire both my grandparents on my mother’s and father’s sides immensely. I feel their energy runs through me, and I deeply respect their independence; they still manage their own tasks at their age. I also appreciate how, despite our age gap, they make an effort to understand my passion and support me in every aspect of my life. Their blessings and encouragement truly keep me going.

11. Which is your most treasured possession?

Currently, it’s the Miss Universe Sri Lanka Sash which we received from Mexico.

12. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?

My little brother; he would blame it all on me which will eventually lead me to finding a way out to get rid of him!

13. Your most embarrassing moment?

Oh! I have so many, but each one has overpowered the other and I don’t want to reveal anything out too soon.

14. Done anything daring?

I still haven’t …

15. Your ideal vacation?

My ideal vacation would begin within the roots of my motherland because I feel like there’s so much beauty and memorization within my own country. I would start my journey from Jaffna, engaging in its culture and heritage, then Trincomalee to immerse myself in the scenic beauty of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Next, I would like to visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura. I would like to engage in a wild life safari at Wilpattu National Park and be absolutely awestruck by the magnificent animals that call our beautiful island paradise home. Finally, I would like to explore the southern part of the country and, on the way, I would like to explore some of the lesser-known pristine areas of Sri Lanka with beautiful streams, forests and landscapes.

16. What kind of music are you into?

The ’80s music; the catchy melodies and vibrant sounds create such a nostalgic vibe. The pop and rock from that era have a unique energy that feels timeless, plus, there’s something special about how those songs often tell stories or evoke strong emotions.

17. Favourite radio station?

I like Gold FM, because they play the most classical and nostalgic songs that I have heard throughout my childhood, which helps brighten up my day just a bit more, every day.

18. Favourite TV station?

National Geographic is my favourite because I truly love the outdoors and it’s a channel that truly brings out the beauty of nature.

19. What would you like to be born as in your next life?

I’d like to be born as an eagle. I think it would be incredible to experience the world from above, freely and exploring diverse landscapes. The sense of liberation and perspective would be amazing. It’s also fascinating to be able to travel without borders.

20. Any major plans for the future?

As the Miss Universe Sri Lanka, my major plan is to represent my country at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in November and bring honour to Sri Lanka. I’m also passionate about promoting financial literacy among women and youth, as I believe it’s crucial for empowering individuals and fostering independence. Ultimately, I aspire to be remembered as someone who is down-to-earth, humble and dedicated to making a positive impact in my community. Beyond that, I am open to where this journey takes me, embracing each opportunity as it comes.