I met Gen. K. for the first time in July 1970. He was then a Captain and I, a 2nd Lt. I had the good fortune of being in the same unit as he was, the Sri Lanka Armored Corps. I was still learning the ABCs of the Army, whilst Gen. Denzil held important appointments at AHQ. I used to meet him on and off in our officers mess and at Army Rugby practices. When I was studying for the Capt. to Major examination, he was one of my instructors – in fact the best instructor we had at that time. Subsequently, when Gen. K. was appointed as the Commanding Officer of my unit, I had the honor of working as one of his squadron commanders.

Gen. Kobbekaduwa's next appointment was as the Coordinating Officer of Kilinochchi. Within a week of his arrival in Kilinochchi, we observed a very positive operational impact. He was doing extremely well. He insisted that he went on operations along with the troops, and the troops loved him for that. The morale of the troops was very high. I can still remember, when the helicopter carrying me and some soldiers landed on the Kilinochchi Camp grounds, the first person to rush out was Gen.K. He walked right up to the helicopter, hugged me and said, "Welcome Lalith; it will be good to have you by my side." I was not the only person he did this to. He personally welcomed every officer who arrived at his command headquarters and made it a point to talk to the soldiers. He was a firm but fair officer, who was highly motivated to carry on his responsibilities to the best. With his hard work, brilliant planning and execution of these plans, he was able to gain control of Kilinochchi.

When it was decided to launch a full-scale operation in Jaffna, General. Kobbekaduwa was an automatic choice to command one of the two advancing brigades. The late General Vijaya Wimalaratne commanded the other. General Kobbekaduwa, along with General Wimalaratne and a few other brilliant officers, the late Gen. Lucky Wijeratne, Col. Sarath Jayawardena and Col. Harin Malwatte planned this operation. Although the original name was different, it became popularly known to all of us as the "Vadamarachchi Operation". I had the honor of being appointed to carry out the deception plan, commencing 8 days prior to the launching of the operation. The Army was to advance from Palaly to Point Pedro, on two fronts, flushing out the terrorists and taking control of key point in Vadamarachchi. Velvettithurai, Prabhakaran’s village was one of the targets of the operation. This village was heavily defended, with concrete bunkers etc and furthermore, Prabhakaran had boasted that he would give up the fight for Eelam if Velvettithurai were lost to the Govt. Forces.

The first day of the operation was disastrous to us. We lost 20 odd personnel including officers. The most concerned about these deaths and injuries to others, was General. Kobbekaduwa. Amidst, conducting the operation, he was constantly inquiring about the dead and injured army personnel.

On the third day of the operation, we took Velvettithurai. At Velvettithurai, we found a house full of mortars, other ammunition, weapons and maps. On studying the maps, it seemed that the bulk of the LTTE was defending the northern area of Vadamarachchi, towards the sea. At the debriefing headed by the Joint Operations Commander. General Cyril Ranatunga, that evening, going northwards instead of continuing to push eastwards as per original plan was discussed. All the senior officers at this debriefing decided to push northwards, which meant a change of plan, with the hope of capturing Prabhakaran in the process. The maps and documents that we found gave us all indications that Prabhakaran’s headquarters was in that vicinity. Everybody was excited. Only General Kobbekaduwa was skeptical of this move. He wanted to keep to the original plan and clear up to Point Pedro. However, it was decided to go northwards. General Kobbekaduwa being a highly disciplined man, decided to go along with the others. Even with the change of the operational plan, we found nothing. A few weeks after the operation ended, when a member of the foreign press interviewed Prabhakaran, he said that he had got caught to the Army deception plan, and thought that we were getting ready to attack Jaffna and made plans accordingly. He also said that the Army got caught to their deception plan when they read the maps and other documents purposely left behind for the Army. Later, it was also found out that Prabhakaran had escaped to India by fleeing towards Point Pedro. This was the time we realized, if we had listened to Gen. Kobbekaduwa and kept advancing to Point Pedro, without a change of plan, we had a great chance of capturing Prabhakaran and also that the outcome of the operation would have been more positive. Who knows, we would have broken the backbone of the LTTE, and the whole situation would have been much different today.

We had won, until the Indians interfered. Gen. Kobbekaduwa was very disappointed that he could not continue with the operation. He made it a point to speak to all his officers and thank them personally for their contribution in Vadamarachchi. He also made it a point to speak to many soldiers as possible. We loved to see his ever-smiling face on the battlefield.

I can go on talking about the military brilliance and out of this world qualities of leadership, forever. There will be many army officers who will be willing to talk about his greatness.

From here, I would like to move from talking about, General Kobbekaduwa, the great soldier, to General Kobbekaduwa, the human being. For this, I will be telling you about a few personal experiences I had with him and how these actions influenced me to be a better leader and human being.

When the General was the Commanding Officer of Armored Corps, he was very interested in his soldiers. He was interested in their well being, and particularly about their meals. Everyday, on his way to the officers’ mess for lunch he would stop at the other ranks mess and check their lunch out. Furthermore, he had instructed the quartermaster of the unit to send a plate of the soldiers’ food to the officers’ mess. General Kobbekaduwa first served a little bit each from the soldiers’ food before he started on his own lunch. If the food was not up to his standards, the quartermaster was in for a long talk by the CO. he also made it a point to ask the junior officers " what do the men have for lunch?" a plain answer of "rice" as some young officers tried to say and survive did not work with him. It came to a stage when the men’s mess food was the best in the whole army.

Another instance in which I was humbled by his actions was when I was walking with him to the officers' mess, a group of soldiers saluted and greeted him. He returned the salute and asked one corporal whether his wife delivered their baby. At this time I was feeling pin pricks of embarrassment because my CO knew about this soldier, and I as a junior officer was ignorant about it. The soldier replied saying that the baby was not born yet, but was expected that same day or the following day. Gen. Kobbekaduwa instructed one his officers that this soldier be given a few days off and also instructed his driver to take this soldier to where his wife was, in Gampaha, in his jeep. This action showed the true greatness of the General.

"If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
or walk with kings and not lose the common touch" - Rudyard Kipling

I can go on and on about the great deeds performed by him. But, I must wind off now.
Besides my military duties, I had acquired the gift of being a songwriter. One particular song that I wrote became quite popular and ITN made a video out of it. General Kobbekaduwa loved this song. He used to say he could never imagine that I could write songs. He was really amused. The words of this particular song are:

This song was dedicated to my son. But it was really ironic that it was played over and over again on ITN during the period of the General's death.

His beloved wife, Mrs. Lali Kobbekaduwa:

I should not forget to mention the support the General received from his beloved wife, Mrs. Lali Kobbekaduwa. When the General served up North for a period of around 10 years, with little or no time with the family, Lali brought up their three little one's and kept the family going. We loved Lali as much as we loved the General. You will not meet a lady with nicer ways. As you may know, she is doing a magnificent job in humanitarian work. If you want your donations to be well utilized, then, I think the Kobbekaduwa Foundation is the best prospect.

Conclusion:

Sri Lanka lost a great son. We lost a great leader, a hero and a gentleman. Lali and the children lost a great father. I lost my idol. The only regret I have is that I was not able to serve with him for a longer period due to unavoidable circumstances. I do not wish to even go to the area of how senior politicians feared his popularity amongst the people. That's a whole different story.

When my friend Sam invited me to deliver this talk, I accepted it without even batting an eyelid. By the time I get home, I would have driven almost 1000 miles to deliver this talk of 15 minutes. I will drive another thousand miles if I have to do it again.

If you read the poem 'If', written by Rudyard Kipling and 'A Father's Prayer' written by Gen. Douglas McArthur, you might tend to wonder how close they are to the life of General. Kobbekaduwa.

My mind is not disciplined enough to be void of "Thrushna", and I would think, let me have another chance of being Gen. Kobbekaduwa's subordinate officer in my next birth. But, in this instance, I will eliminate that thought to pray, and say, "May you attain Nirvana kind sir, for all the good things you have done, and because, you do not deserve to be born again in this cruel world"

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Lt. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa Commemorations Day

 

In defending our Country they lost their lives - Tribute to a True Great Leader

We are planning to commemorate the 8th Death Anniversary of Late Lt. Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa with a series of events on August 5^th & 6^th, 2000. We are also planning to launch the Anuradhapura Military Hospital Building Project on the 6^th . If such a well-equipped hospital were available in North/Central area his life and lives of so many others that died in protecting the country would have been saved.

 

At this occasion, the Lt. Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa memorial talk will be given by Colonel Lalith Gunaratne who fought in the Wadamarachchi attack alongside Lt. Gen. Kobbekaduwa.

 

Program

Aug 5^th - Almsgiving.

Those who wish to join this event please contact Manjula at 510-797-9359 for food arrangements.

Aug 6^th:

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Bodhi Pooja;

7:00 - 7:15 p.m. - Candlelight Vigil.

7:15 - 7:30 p.m. - Lt. Gen. Kobbekaduwa Memorial Talk by Col. Lalith Gunaratne

7:30 - 7:45 p.m. - Launching of the Anuradhapura Military Hospital Project.

Venue

Dharmapala Institute - 110, West Latimer Ave., Campbell, CA 95008, (408) 871-1140 - Directions

Pl. note: As it is a Sunday we are planning to finish it before 8:00 p.m. hence, please be there on Time.

 

Please Read this beautiful poem written by one of our own talents about the occasion. You need little bit of patience in reading and grasping the idea since this is a Sinhala Poem written in English.

by "yuvaraja" he means Colonel

kavi kam

labana irudina savasata
rana viruvekuta apamana
venuven ape mawbima
puda kala yuthuya, mahath krutha guna

Kobbekadu nirindaa
yudabima sathara desina
jaya keheli nomandaa
Rekiya apa divi puda uthumaa

nama esu pamanata
elavamin biya sathuru sith thula
maru vikal gena nan dodamina
dana namaa sun kale theda bala

samaga ohu yuda pitiye
darunu vadamarachchiye
'yuvaraja' vilasa pasine
prakata viya 'gunaratna' lesine

asirimath Los Angeles sita
pemina apa atharata vesesina
guna kathanayaka yedemina
pahan kerumata sevoma irudina

dahampala raja maha vihaaraya
sende yama ekvemu siyallama
paseka daa amanaapa dos sema
Ek sithin apa negee sitimina

H.

Harsha Jayatilake

http://www.spur.asn.au/kobbe.htm

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WAR HEROES DAY OBSERVENCE !!!

The day of June 7th has been designated as the "Veera Sebala Dinaya" in Sri Lanka.

To remember the heroic soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their motherland, we are forever indebted to them.

Let us also use this occasion to honor the brave soldiers who are fighting to
preserve the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of our motherland and to show our gratitude and solidarity to the cause they are fighting for.
At this event we are honored to have the presence of a yet another patriot who pioneered projects helping Sri Lanka in its war efforts.

 

Date: Saturday, 10th of June at 4:00 p.m.

Venue: Cupertino, California, USA.

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Let's keep our Vigil Alive !!!

Last week we heard through those touching but firm voices why:
...............
They cannot stop simply because their weary bodies & legs are aching;
They cannot sleep simply because they are sleepy and tired;
They cannot pause to swallow a bite, simply because they are dead Thirsty and Hungry;
They cannot abandon their plight and run simply because their loved ones are waiting praying for them;
.................
.................
They are busy defending the democratic rights of all of those who are born and bred in that beautiful Island that we all most affectionately and respectfully call our MOTHERLAND, the place we all run at the slightest opportunity we get to be with our loved ones and to relive our childhood memories.
...............
..............
We are not getting tired of blessing them and the Country every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every ! week until the lives of each one of those brave and self-sacrificing Patriots are saved.
Are we?
...............
...............
Let's keep our vigil alive!!!!

Let us meet every Saturday at 6:00 pm. to continue to pray for our country and raise money to defend it. That is the least we can do at this crucial moment!

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Sri Lankan Expatriates in US pray for PEACE in SRI LANKA

============== Report on event on Saturday the 6^th of May ==============

Sri lankan expatriates in United States gathered on Saturday the 6th of May in various places around the country to perform Bodhi Pujas and Satya Kriyas to invoke blessings on the armed forces and to bring about Peace & Unity to Sri Lanka.

San Jose, California:

On Saturday, May 6th, a large group of Sri Lankans living in the San Francisco Bay area gathered at Dharmapala Institute in Campbell, CA, to perform Satya Kriya, Loving Kindness Meditation, and a Candle Light Vigil for Peace in Sri Lanka.

Ven. Ketawala Gnanadhaja Thero led the first part of the program, attended mainly by the Buddhist community. But the candle light vigil that followed brought together Sri Lankans from other religious denominations as well.

The several speeches given by members representing the various religious communities evoked common themes about war and peace - the tragedies and untimely deaths of thousands of soldiers, the physical and emotional devastation that is experienced by all Sri Lankans, the many poignant memories of a people who grew up in peaceful times in the motherland, and the deepest desire to see peace and unity prevail for all ethnic groups in Sri Lanka.

Songs about peace and unity for all, as well as about the beauty of Sri Lanka, were sung. The gathering ended with the singing of Sri Lanka's national anthem, and a request for monetary donations to help those devastated by the war.

The generous donations given by those present, and those that were sent in by those who could not be present, are gratefully acknowledged.

Houston, Texas:

On Saturday, 6th May, 00 a well-attended Bodhi Pooja was held at Houston Buddhist Vihara under the directions of Bhante Kamburugalle Nanda. Sri Lankans from Houston as well as from the neighboring cities attended the activity.

Subsequent to the offerings, while chanting the qualities of the Buddha, in the shrine room, everyone sat together and took refuges in the Triple Gem and observed five precepts. The group practiced loving kindness, metta, starting with the wishes for the benefit of the army personnel making sacrifices for Sri Lanka, after reciting the Pali verses to complete the offerings. Loving kindness, metta wishes, were not limited to the soldiers and Sinhala only, but to all Sri Lankans irrespective of race or religious affiliations. Ten minutes of meditation was followed by two minutes of silence in memory of the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the benefit of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans in general. Chanting of sutras for protection and well being followed. Everyone chanted the sutras along with the Buddhist monks, and peace and tranquility prevailed in the surroundings at the time. Finally, merits were transferred to the gods and other beings and the religious observances ended with the traditional wish in Sri Lanka:

"Devo vassatu kalena..", or May the heavens bring timely rain, may there be abundance and prosperity, may every one in the world be happy, and the rulers in the world be just.

The Buddhist observances were followed by speeches from Bhante Nanda and Dr. Tennekoon of College Station. The theme of the speeches was the difficulties faced by the soldiers and the speakers reminded the Sri Lankans of their duty to help Sri Lanka at the crucial moment.

Overall, it was a very successful event and everyone's wish is that peace pervades the world overcoming terrorism and racism.

Washington, District of Columbia:

A large gathering attended at Washington Vihara headed by HE Ambassador Dr.W.Rasaputram. Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri gave a talk and the Ambassador also addressed the meeting.

Ven Panditha Mahaoya Anuruddha conducted a Bodhi Puja and blessed the Army Personal fighting for the unity of Sri Lanka. At the end funds were collected to send to Sri Lanka to help our soldiers. Up to 14th of May, funds will be collected to help the armed forces as it the duty of all Sri Lankans in this badly needed time.

Los Angeles, California:

Many expatriate Sri Lankans gathered at Maitri Vihara at Burbank, California on Saturday evening to perform Satya Kriya to Bless for a peaceful resolution to the Sri Lankas present turmoil. Ven. Ahangama Dhammrama of Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara, Ven Walpola Piyanada of Dharma Vijaya, Ven Pallebage Chandrasiri of Maitri Vihara Van Siriniwasa of Sarathchandraramaya were among the many priests to perform Satya Kriya, gathered at the temple. Many Sri Lankans gathered to express their concerns.

Ven Chandrasiri stated that truth and fairness are with them as they perform the Satya Kriya, as Sri Lanka is a place for everyone to pursue a peaceful life with harmony among others, while the present situation is due to carving a major portion of the country for one ethnicity.

This group wants and professes this separated land for only one ethnicity where as the rest is common to all. The majority Buddhists lives with all other areas with Tamils, Moors, Malays and Burghers. Which includes several religions in a peaceful manner in all other areas of Sri Lanka. That's the fairness and the truth. Sri Lanka belongs to all born in the country. Good example is the island's premier cultural pageant in August held in Kandy, where five Hindu temples take part in one procession in harmony from the days of kings. Several others, including Catholics and Malays were among who discussed the situation at this largely attended meeting in Southern California.town.

Tampa, Florida:

Sri Lankan expatriates gathered at the Florida Buddhist Vihara to perform Bodhi Puja and bless the country and the armed forces. Ven. K. Wipulasara performed the Bodhi Puja.

New York Buddhist Vihara:

We did a bodhi Pooja and Pirit chanting on last Saturday to bless upon our country and Sri Lankan Army. So glad to tell that people came even from New Jersey to take part at the 'Pinkama'.
Theruwan Saranai!
Ven:Kurunegoda Piyatissa

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Ways to boost the morale of our heroes?
A patriot came up with this remarkable idea of sending post cards to the Front.
At the moment, they are at their lowest morale. They also may be feeling that they are forgotten and abandoned by Sri Lankan living in Sri Lanka and all over the World. They should know that all our hopes and wishes are with them at this decisive moment. Write something that express your feelings and send at your earlier convenience. His message appears below:

Send to following addresses:

1. Sri Lanka Army Head Quarters- Galle Face Court, Colombo-3
2. Sri Lanka Navy Head Quarters, Colombo- 1
3. Sri Lanka Air Force Head Quarters, Parsons Rd, colombo-2

Some Words for guidance:

• Your courage is for justice.
• Bravery is the knowledge of the unfairness of enemy.
• With your courage, you can do it and without it, it betrays you and your brother.
• Don't hide your valor, it let you die.
• Your courage is our salvation. We are with you, we want to nourish it.
• It's courage-courage to face the challenge.
• When you are in danger, don't look back.
• Don't be careless, prepare, train and prepare again.

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