Faithful to the End – The Valor of Lt Cdr Sadun Gunasekera

By Nilakshan Perera

It was a bright, sunny morning, Monday, the 16th of November 1992. Commander of the Navy, Admiral Clancy Fernando, was preparing to begin another demanding day. His Aide and Personal Secretary, Lt. Cdr. Shemal Fernando (later retired as Rear Admiral), was at his desk, carefully arranging the day’s meetings, appointments, and documents for the Admiral’s signature.

He had just called the Admiral to brief him on the day’s agenda. The Admiral’s calm response was, “I’ll be there soon, thank you.”

A short while later, the official car of the Commander of the Navy, bearing plate NAHA 5006, departed from Navy House, Longdon Place, Colombo 7. The Admiral’s escort Land Rover led the way as the convoy made its routine journey towards Naval Headquarters at Flagstaff Street, Galle Buck, Colombo 1.

Inside the car sat Admiral Fernando in the rear seat, beside his Flag Lieutenant, Lt. Cdr. Sadun Gunasekera. In front were his personal escort, Chief Petty Officer S. M. D. S. Weerabahu, and his driver, Leading Rate A. L. A. Perera.

At around 0835 hours, less than a kilometre from Naval Headquarters, tragedy struck. As the vehicle travelled along Galle Face Road, a suicide bomber from the LTTE riding a motorcycle laden with explosives rammed into the Admiral’s staff car. The massive blast claimed all lives instantly.

These three loyal men had faithfully served Admiral Fernando since his tenure as Commander Eastern Naval Area (COMEAST). That fateful morning, Sri Lanka lost one of its most respected and highest-ranking military leaders, along with his devoted team, in one of the most tragic moments in the nation’s military history.

Admiral Fernando remains remembered as the highest-ranking Sri Lankan military officer ever to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Wreckage of Admiral’s Mercedes Bens, NAHA 5006

Remembering an Unsung Hero

Although much has been written about this barbaric assassination, little has been said about the Admiral’s able, energetic, and faithful Flag Lieutenant, Lt. Cdr. Sadun Gunasekera, who stood by his commander until the very end.

This is a humble tribute to a quiet yet remarkable officer, an unassuming, smart, and deeply admired officer and gentleman of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Early Life and Education

Sadun Gunasekera was born on 30th October 1962 in Malwathuhiripitiya, Maligathenna, Gampaha. He was the eldest of five children. His father was a respected notary in Wathurugama, and his mother, a devoted housewife.

He began his schooling at Bandaranayake Vidyalaya, Gampaha, before earning admission to Royal College, Colombo 7 through the entrance examination. At Royal, he excelled in boxing, becoming both college and house champion.

After evening practices, he often caught the last bus from Miriswatte Junction, reaching home by 10 p.m. On nights he missed it, he would walk nearly six kilometres, his father often walking partway to meet him.

Winner Sadun Gunasekera, boxing champion of Royal College

Although his father wished him to study medicine, Sadun’s fearless spirit steered him elsewhere. When once warned about thieves on the road, his reply was calm yet telling: “Let them come; I’d like to meet them personally.”

A martial arts enthusiast and black belt in karate, Sadun’s fearlessness was legendary. When villagers spoke of ghosts haunting a nearby “ Buda Gedera”, he spent nights alone there, until his worried father intervened, saying, “He’s too brave for medicine; he belongs in the armed forces.”

From KDA to the Navy

After completing his A/Ls, Sadun joined the Kotelawala Defence Academy (KDA) as a service cadet of Intake 2. Two of his classmates joined him, Palitha Saputhanthri (retired as a Major) and Prasanna Meemaduma (retired as a Lt Cdr).Owing to a short delay in security clearance, he joined a week late, yet his discipline, enthusiasm, and strength quickly earned him respect with everyone

Among his classmates were Ravi Wijegunaratne (Admiral, former Commander of the Navy and Chief of Defence Staff), Renaka Udawatte (retired as Major General), Channa Gunathilake (retired as Major General), and Rohitha Premasiri (retired as Rear Admiral), late Upul de Lanarolle ( Lt Col, passed away in an accident) all of whom went on to distinguished military careers.

I first met Sadun on 3rd August 1982, the day our Intake 3, joined KDA. Though one batch senior, he never relied on authority to command respect. It came naturally through his humility, guidance, and quiet example.

At both KDA and the University of Colombo, he guided us selflessly. Sadun represented the university in wrestling and weightlifting, earning prestigious university colours in both. Despite being a karate black belt, he was calm, kind, and devoid of aggression.

He was a teetotaller, deeply disciplined, and passionate about fitness, his stamina and integrity were unmatched. We looked up to him as an elder brother one who protected, advised, and understood us. Even when he knew of our mischief (like sneaking out or plucking kurumba), he never betrayed us to seniors.

After graduating from University of Colombo and being commissioned on 7th May 1985, Sadun emerged as a charismatic leader who led not by command but by character, a man whose quiet confidence and dignified presence inspired all around him, leaving an influence far greater than authority alone could ever achieve.

A Career of Dedication and Distinction

Sadun first served as Secretary to the Commander, Eastern Naval Area, where his loyalty and diligence impressed Rear Admiral Clancy Fernando, (COMEAST) When Admiral Fernando became Commander of the Navy, he appointed Sadun as his Flag Lieutenant, a role of immense trust during a critical phase of Sri Lanka’s conflict.

The day Admiral Clancy appointed as Commander of the Navy, Flag Lieutenant Sadun Gunasekera (left) with Aide and Personal Secretary Lt Cdr Shemal Fernando (right)

Lt. Cdr. Sadun Gunasekera also holds a special place in the annals of the Navy as the first-ever KDA/KDU officer to serve as Flag Lieutenant (ADC) to a Service Commander, a remarkable milestone for the Academy.

Before him, decorated Infantry officer, Lt. Channa Karunaratne (Intake 1) served as ADC to Gen. Asoka Jayawardene (1988), and brilliant Sapper, Lt. Dhammika Pananwela (Intake 3) my classmate and batchmate, served as ADC to Gen. J. R. S. de Silva (1989).

As Flag Lieutenant, Sadun was always by the Admiral’s side, in operations, planning, and on the frontlines. He was seen at Vettilakeni, Pooneryn, Nagathevanthurai, and Elephant Pass, often crossing the Kilali Lagoon in small craft with the Admiral to raise troop morale. His courage and faithfulness were admired by all.

He was truly the Admiral’s shadow, loyal, fearless, and devoted to duty until his final breath.

In 1989, he was appointed Supplies Officer at KDA, where he once hosted our entire intake 3, a simple gesture that spoke volumes of his warmth and closeness.

Sadun always cherished the camaraderie with Intake 3,
Lunch at KDA,1989 (Sadun, second from right)

Sadun would have been immensely proud today to see his trusted juniors, those he once mentored, rise to senior leadership, Commander Manoaj Jayasuriya, a seven-time “Rana Sura Medal” recipient who revolutionized the naval warfare, Major General Dhammika Pananwela, former Eastern Security Forces Commander and Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, former Director of Budget and Finance.

The Final Farewell

I will never forget the heartbreaking moment I saw his remains at the undertaker’s, soon after the explosion. The reality of his loss struck deep. Later, I visited his home in Gampaha to bid a final, tearful farewell to a senior batchmate, a friend and beloved comrade.

Lt. Cdr. Sadun Gunasekera was more than an officer. A man of few words but sharp observation, he embodied honour, humility, and compassion. Those who knew him will forever remember his warmth, courage, and unshakable devotion to duty.

At sunset on 18th November 1992, he was laid to rest with full military honours, amidst a large gathering of service personnel, comrades, and friends from all walks of life. It was both an honour and a heartbreak, the farewell of a brave, brilliant young officer who gave his life at just 30 years of age, in defence of his nation’s sovereignty.

Legacy of a True Patriot

As we solemnly mark the 33rd death anniversary of Admiral Clancy Fernando and his loyal ratings on the 16th of November, we also pause to honour Lt. Cdr. Sadun Gunasekera, an unsung hero whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion remind us of the quiet strength that safeguards our freedom.

His noble sacrifice was not in vain. It is because of officers like Sadun that future generations of Sri Lankans live today in peace, a peace earned through the blood and bravery of those who placed country above self.

May his spirit, and those of his fallen comrades, continue to inspire generations of naval officers to serve with integrity, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to our motherland.

May his journey through Samsara be peaceful swift towards Nibbana!

Rest in peace eternally, brave son of Sri Lanka!

(I would be failing in my duty if I did not express my sincere appreciation to, Admiral Ravi Wijegunaratne, RAdm Shemal Fernando, RAdm Sisira Jayakody, RAdm Dimuthu Gunawardane, Cdr Kumar Mantiratna, AVM Janak Wanigatunge, Maj Gen Dhammika Pananwela, Sadun’s brother, Attorney- at- Law Bandujeewa Gunasekera, Admiral Clancy Fernando’s son, Mr Nishan Fernando, and Mr Kumaratissa Edirisinghe for their invaluable assistance extended in compiling this article)