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Major Percy Jagath: Tragic end to a brilliant career
By Suranga Rajanayaka
The claymore mine blast which claimed the life of Major Percy Jagath last Saturday in the Welikanda area marked the death of the highest ranking Army officer killed after the ceasefire came into effect four years back.
The eve of the New Year recently celebrated was to be a special one for him, in that it was also his daughter Anupika’s first birthday and the occasion was of special interest, since it was on that day that all his relatives and family members were to meet on a single occasion.

Jagath, born in Thotamune, Matara was married to Pradeepa Jayasekera of Sinhapitiya, Gampola. She was an attorney-at-law practicing at the Gampola magistrate’s court. Though theirs was a proposed marriage, neighbours knew how attached they were to each other. The escalation of hostilities recently, made Jagath a very busy man due to the post he was holding.

Though obtaining leave was a difficult task due to the responsibilities entrusted to him, Jagath did come home for his daughter’s first birthday. For a moment he was away from the usual busy environment, with his kith and kin, and the moment was a happy one for Jagath. He enjoyed every moment of the day surrounded by little ones who had come to wish his daughter a happy birthday. Came the next day and it was time to get back for duty.
Though his family wanted him to tarry a while, duty called him back to his station. Jagath took leave from his dear wife, little knowing that it was the last time he would see her.

An old boy of St. Thomas’ Matara, Jagath joined the Army where after a short stint of training he was assigned to the Gemunu Regiment. Commitment to duty saw him reach the rank of sergeant. He was an exemplary officer and his dedication to duty came for high praise from his superiors.

He was an avid sportsman and took part in cricket, rugby, football; hockey and badminton, receiving medals for good performances, which were instrumental in him being made a commissioned officer.

The promotions made it incumbent for him to serve in the North-East where he earned a name due to his total commitment to duty. He was involved in all major operations such as Akunu Pahara, Riviresa, Jayasikuru and Kinihira. He rose from the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1991 to Lieutenant, Captain and Major in the Gemunu Regiment.

He was in charge of transport and administration duties which he performed to the satisfaction of his superiors.He had gone on scholarships to India and Bangladesh and successfully completed a course in the UN Peace Corps.
Jagath was one of the eight victims who were killed in a claymore mine attack.
He was on his way back to base from Welikanne training camp when the explosion occurred ending his two decades of loyal service to the nation.
Jagath’s weeping mother Mrs. Siriyawathie Jayasuriya had this to say when our correspondent visited her at Sinhapitiya, where the body of her slain son lay.

“My son served the Army for 23 years. My elder son too is in the Army and he counts 27 years service. Jagath suffered injury in the Riviresa operation and I advised him to leave the Army. His reply was ‘how could this nation survive if we left the services. I would come home only when the war is over, and a thousand bullets will not deter me’ ”.

He wanted his mother to take satisfaction from the fact that her son was a hero. A friend of Jagath was full of praise for him, saying he was a nice person who brought presents even for other children when returning from trips abroad.

Jagath’s sister Ms. B.H. Nandanie, a teacher at Rahula Vidyalaya, Matara and his brother Gamini attached to the Sinha Regiment also spoke of his kind qualities and his sportsmanship.

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