Appreciations

Parami Kulatunge’s desire to follow a military career began at Trinity College, Kandy, when he was enrolled as a junior cadet in 1965. Within two years, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He joined the senior platoon in 1968. His leadership qualities, skills and talents were appreciated, and he was promoted as sergeant in 1970, and as C.S.M. in 1971 in the A Coy.

Parami joined the army as a cadet officer on July 20, 1971 and was trained both at the Officers Training School, India, and the Army Training Centre, Diyatalawa. On completion of training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion of the Gemunu Watch on October 14, 1972.

As a smart young officer with great military bearing, full of energy, enthusiasm and dedication, he performed duties with remarkable results while deployed in the Jaffna Peninsula and Mannar District. During these tours of duty, he gained valuable experience in leadership, management and command responsibilities. His unique ability to understand junior soldiers’ mindset made him a highly respected and much-loved commander.

In later years, when the country faced a violent separatist insurgency, he led sub-units, units and formations successfully in battle. He commanded infantry companies, battalions, brigades and field divisions in the North and East throughout the war until he rose to the third highest position in the Sri Lanka Army — the Deputy Chief of Staff.

Between combat duties in the field, he held important positions at the Army Headquarters and the Joint Operations Headquarters, overseeing operations, training, intelligence, administration and logistics. He gained expertise required to be an all round professional military leader. His inborn charisma, accommodating nature, superior intelligence and smartness made him the undisputed choice for key appointments.

General Kulatunge attended many international training schools and events, the most prestigious being the United States Army War College where handpicked senior American and international army officers who are potential commanders receive one year graduate level education. He passed this course with outstanding results. He also underwent training in India, Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh and represented the country at high-level international military gatherings.

During his illustrious career, Gen. Kulatunge received several awards and decorations, the most important being the Rana Sura Padakkama for gallantry, and Uttama Seva Padakkama for distinguished service.

Gen. Kulatunge's untimely demise was a tremendous loss to the army and the nation. A great son of Lanka and dedicated soldier was felled by a terrorist attack while on his way to duty. The loss of this great leader, dedicated soldier and much loved human being would be felt far into the distant future. His inspiring, ever caring and loving demeanour would be long remembered by his comrades in arms, friends, relations and people of Sri Lanka.

"May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana"

By Lt. Col. Asoka Mudannayake S.L.C.C. (Rtd.) Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion S.L.C.C.

Gallant officer and hero of many a battle