Sunday Times 2
Tribute to a man of many distinctions
View(s):
Major General Rukmal Dias
A soldier irrespective of rank dedicates his or her life to defend the country from hostile elements within and from outside. Major General Rukmal Dias is one such person. His drive to be a soldier began at the young age of 19. He learned the craft to be a soldier every step of the way and earned his promotions to be the Colonel Commandant of the regiment and likely successor to the commander of the army at the time of his retirement in June 2019.
During his tenure, the General assumed numerous major assignments. Being the post-graduate studies director at Sir John Kotalawala Defence University, he was jointly instrumental in adopting the Capstone doctrine to fit the profile of the Sri Lankan army. He also served as the 8thCommander of the security forces – Central and Commander of the volunteer force. On the eve of his retirement, he successfully thwarted a communal clash in Digana.
The General’s interests certainly were not limited to military matters alone; he also engaged himself in social, humanitarian and sports activities. Building schools, temples, houses for those who lost them during the war were among his activities. Once, a house was built for an ex-LTTE couple. Developing sports in the Mullaitivu area and promoting boxing in the Army as its chairman were some of his feats.
Any tribute to the General is not complete without honouring the family that stood by the man through thick and thin and made it possible for him to function within his full potential. The trauma, stress and the sacrifices they went throughout the dark period have no comparison.
We as a nation are eternally indebted to you and the rest for protecting the identity and the territorial integrity of this beautiful Island.
- Kithsiri and
Indranie Perera