We fondly remember our brother officer Namal Mendis, who died 34 years ago on June 13, 1990, in Waripathanchena, Ampara.
As peace negotiations between the Government and the LTTE broke down in 1990, LTTE militants commenced attacking police and military detachments in Ampara without forewarning. An intelligence communique that was circulated stated that all police stations and military units in and around Ampara would be attacked simultaneously, and informed that reinforcements would arrive soon.
At the time, senior military command was uncertain whether to counterattack since a state of peace had still existed. The military ought to have reacted fast in attacking and destroying the LTTE’s main camp in Waripathanchena, at the junction of the Kalmunai and Akka Pattu roads. This was critical because the LTTE had strategically blocked all the supply routes to police stations and military camps on the Kalmunai and Akka Pattu roads, putting all those lives at risk.
Captain Namal Mendis, Adjutant of the 4th Battalion of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (4SLSR) foresaw the eventuality of the military facing this type of impasse in the event the LTTE launched a surprise attack in the midst of peace negotiations. So, when he was informed of the LTTE surprise attacks on the police and the military, he sprang into action without prevaricating or delaying. He volunteered to take command and lead an operation to attack the LTTE military base in Waripathanchena.
The operation was successful, and the LTTE fled the camp, and the Kalmunai and Akkerepattu roads were reopened.
However, fate was unkind to Captain Mendis who was killed in action when an enemy rocket struck.
Major Mendis (posthumously promoted to Major), was only 25 years when he sacrificed his life to safeguard the unity of the country. He was an alumnus of Nalanda College, Colombo, and showed equal passion for studies and sports at school. He represented the college cricket team and brought glory to his school, and his unit in the Army by leading the rugby and football teams of 4SLSR.
Namal who was an honest officer dedicated to service, participated in numerous operations led against terrorists in the North and the East.
His death, which occurred in the course of performing his duties with courage and excellence, is an unbearable loss not only for his parents, relatives, and friends, but also for the Sinha Regiment, the Army and the country as a whole. We lost an army officer who was brave, sincere, and above all, a good human being.
It was unimaginable to me, that Namal, who I shared a room with and spoke to in the morning of June 13 when we awoke, was taken from us at noon. I still remember the unbearable emotions which came over me when I hugged his body, which was still warm and blood-soaked, was brought to the Ampara Hospital. We joined the Army together, trained together, and served together in the same regiment. I recall how the two of us were eager to join the Sinha Regiment because we wanted to wear its unique black insignia and pips. I had the solemn privilege of preparingthe Part 1 Order for Namal, my friend and brother in spirit, before we despatched his body to Colombo by a helicopter.
Although there are many losses in life, the death of a good friend cannot be easily forgotten.
Lt Col. (Retd) Modestus Fernando
