Forged in Vision, Bound by Service: KDA Intake 1 at 45 Years……

By Nilakshan Perera

In the annals of Kotelawala Defence Academy (KDA) and Sri Lanka’s broader military academic heritage, the year 1979 stands as a defining turning point, when vision met purpose with uncommon clarity. Recognizing the imperative to elevate the intellectual and professional calibre of its officer corps, the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka embarked on a bold and forward-looking initiative: to establish an institution that would mould not only disciplined warriors, but well-rounded scholars and leaders of character. To this end, a distinguished delegation led by Maj VSM Jayawardene, and comprising eminent academics such as Prof. Patuwathavithana, Prof. P. W. Epasinghe, and Prof. Fonseka, undertook a seminal fact-finding mission to the renowned National Defence Academy in Pune, the world’s first tri-service military university and a benchmark of excellence.

Upon their return, the vision rapidly crystallised into action. In an extraordinary act of patriotism and foresight, Sir John Kotelawala, a towering statesman and former Prime Minister, gifted his sprawling 48-acre Kandawala Estate, together with all its movable and immovable assets, to the nation. This magnanimous gesture became the cornerstone upon which the academy would be built, igniting a national endeavour of profound significance. Within days, concrete plans were set in motion to establish the Kotelawala Defence Academy. On 1st October 1980, as Sir John lay ailing at Colombo General Hospital, His excellency J. R. Jayewardene, accompanied by General Dennis Perera and his ADC Capt. TM Bohoran, conferred upon him the honorary rank of General, an honour befitting a man whose final act of service would indelibly shape the future of military education in Sri Lanka. The very next day, Sir John passed away; yet his enduring legacy was immortalised in the academy that would rise upon his beloved estate.

The Kotelawala Defence Academy was formally inaugurated on 11th October 1980, in the distinguished presence of the President, the Tri-Service Commanders, and a host of eminent guests. Though its beginnings were modest, with limited infrastructure, a handful of vehicles, and scarce resources, it was rich in spirit, resolve, and a shared sense of mission. Under the visionary leadership of Brig. CAMN Silva (Mike Silva), supported by Lt Cdr IK Lokubalasuriya, and a dedicated cadre including Maj VSM Jayawardene (Adjutant), later succeeded by Maj Nalin Angammana, alongside Maj Lohan Goonewardene (Affectionately regarded as the ‘Father of KDA,’ he devoted his life to nurturing and shaping the pioneers of Intake 1, Intake 2 and 3), and Capt. Raj M. Fernando, the academy commenced its journey with unwavering dedication. Together, they went well beyond the call of duty, nurturing an environment of discipline, intellectual growth, and inspiration, laying a strong and enduring foundation for generations of cadets to come.

Legendary Intake 1 of KDA with 3 Service Commanders,
Commandant and other officer Instructors of KDA in Dec,1981.

The historic first intake of Service Cadets entered the Kotelawala Defence Academy on 3^rd March 1981 marking the true commencement of its academic and military journey. Intake Troop Commander was Flt Lt Sanka Wijesinghe, later succeeded by Fg Off Anura Silva and then Fg Off Mohan de Zoysa. This pioneering batch comprised 34 young men of exceptional promise, 13 proceeding to the University of Colombo to pursue a BSc in Physical Sciences, 19 to the University of Moratuwa for Engineering degrees, and 2 specialising in Architecture. Their early days were defined by simplicity, resilience, and an unwavering spirit of determination. Accommodation was arranged on the upper floor of Sir John’s bungalow, while meals were served in a temporary mess constructed nearby. Service lectures were conducted within the bungalow premises itself, forming the nucleus of their military grounding.

Daily routines demanded both discipline and adaptability. Cadets attending the University of Colombo were transported by a modest TATA 1210, while their counterparts at Moratuwa commuted by bicycles, symbols of both humility and perseverance. Military training unfolded within the grounds of the Kandanala Estate, with the parade square situated adjacent to the hangars of Ratmalana Airport. Swimming training, an essential component of their development, took place on Sundays at the at St Thomas’s pool in Mount Lavinia. Despite limited facilities, the cadets were moulded under rigorous standards and watchful mentorship, guided by some of the finest instructors drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the visionary leadership of Brigadier Mike Silva. Training extended beyond fieldcraft, service writing, tactics and academics to include refined aspects such as service etiquette and formal dining. Demonstrating remarkable initiative, this very first intake also organised the inaugural Cadet Ball, an elegant blend of discipline, tradition, and camaraderie, upholding service standards with pride, regardless of constraints.

At university, cadets were required to integrate with civilian undergraduates while maintaining the distinct discipline expected of future officers. Participation in sports was compulsory, and many excelled, bringing distinction to both their universities and the academy. Notably, in 1984, two cadets from this intake rose to leadership at university level. Former Ananda College Captain of Basketball, Ranil Ranasinghe who captained Basketball, and former Nalanda’s Rugby captain Ajith Perera, who captained Rugby, led their respective teams to Inter-University championship titles an early testament to the leadership qualities nurtured within KDA.

The culmination of their formative journey came with the first-ever Passing Out Parade, held on 2nd May 1984, graced by His Excellency J. R. Jayewardene as Chief Guest, alongside the Tri-Service Commanders and distinguished military leadership. The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Squadron Under Officer Rohith Rajaratne, who also secured first place in the Order of Merit, an extraordinary double distinction. Recognition for excellence continued with Cadet Sergeant Peminda Jayasinha receiving the award for Military Subjects, while Cadet Corporal Ranil Ranasinghe was honoured as Best Sportsman. Upon commissioning, these officers were duly absorbed into the Army, Navy, and Air Force, embarking on careers of service and sacrifice. Over the years that followed, they would go on to uphold their oath with honour dedicating themselves to and security of the nation, and contributing steadfastly to the safeguarding of the motherland.

As time progressed, the officers of the pioneering first intake of the Kotelawala Defence Academy went on to serve the nation with unwavering commitment and honour. Among them, we pay the highest tribute and deepest gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

Passing out parade of Officer Cadets of Intake I, on 2nd May 1984 at the SLAF Base in Ratmalana. HE the President JR Jayewardene was the Chief Guest. Chief Guest HE the President inspecting the passing out parade of Intake 1, with Squadron Under Officer Rohitha Rajaratne

With the deepest reverence, we honour the gallant officers of Intake 1 who made the supreme sacrifice Captain Jagath Perera, Wing Commander Kamal Welgama, and Lt Colonel Kishan Hettiarachchi. Their extraordinary courage, selfless devotion, and unwavering commitment to the nation represent the very highest ideals of service. Their legacy remains eternally enshrined, inspiring generations of officers to uphold the same noble values with pride and dedication.We also remember with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude the members of Intake 1 who have since passed away due to natural causes Major Samitha Ubayaratne, Lieutenant SSK Rajapakse, Commodore Nadarajah Kuruparan, and SSP Dharmaweera Chandrasiri (who left KDA in his second year to join the STF and was serving as an SSP at the time of his untimely demise). Each rendered invaluable service to the nation, and their dedication, commitment, and enduring comradeship remain an integral part of the KDA story. They are fondly remembered for the exemplary lives they led, both in and out of uniform.

Together, they represent a generation defined by duty, honour, and selfless service true sons of the soil whose legacy continues to inspire and endure.

Driven by courage, dedication, and perseverance, these five officers rose to the highest levels of their respective servicemen inspiring testament to the excellence fostered at Kotelawala Defence Academy.

Major General Dhammika Weerasekera, an alumnus of Royal College, Colombo, was an exceptional rower renowned for his remarkable stamina and technical excellence. He served the nation with distinction for 35 unblemished years, during which he held the key appointment of Director of Project Management at Defence Headquarters, making significant contributions to major national infrastructure projects.

Rear Admiral Wipula Jasinghe, also a proud product of Royal College Colombo, regular member of Defence services Badminton, Tennis and Table tennis teams, retired after 34 years of dedicated service as Director General of Civil Engineering. Notably, he became the first KDA officer to be awarded the prestigious Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV) in recognition of his exceptional, distinguished, and loyal service to the nation.

Rear Admiral Sarath Mohotty, hailing from Rahula College Matara, excelled both in academics and sports, earning university colours in soccer and athletics. He retired as Director Intelligence of the Sri Lanka Navy, leaving behind a commendable legacy of service.

Air Vice Marshal Rohan Pathirage, another distinguished alumnus of Royal College Colombo, was a brilliant sportsman who earned both school and national-level athletic colours. Former Chairman Volleyball in SLAF, Vice President Volleyball federation, also functioned as Chairman Defence services games in 2015.He retired as Director of Project Management at Defence Headquarters, having also served as Director of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering. Following retirement, he was re-mobilised, extending his exemplary and unblemished service to an impressive 43 years.

Air Vice Marshal Ajantha Silva, a former cricketer of S. Thomas' College and Vijaya College Matale, held several key appointments including Air Force Spokesman, Military Attaché to Pakistan, and Director of Aeronautical Engineering. demonstrating versatility and leadership throughout his distinguished career. The founding President of the KDU Alumni, a legendary and charismatic Air Vice Marshal, whose unwavering commitment and foresight transformed the Association and guided it to the distinguished standard it enjoys today.

Together, these officers embody the highest ideals of military professionalism and stand as proud ambassadors of KDA’s enduring legacy.

As the academy evolved in stature and purpose, a defining milestone was reached in 1988 when, through a landmark legislative amendment, it was elevated to university status as the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). This transformation marked the dawn of a new era one that seamlessly blended military discipline with academic excellence, elevating the institution to national and international prominence.

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Intake 1 and the enduring legacy of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, it is only fitting that we conclude with a tribute to the visionary whose selfless act made it all possible. General Sir John Kotelawala, with extraordinary foresight and patriotism, gifted his beloved Kandawala Estate to the nation an offering not merely of land, but of opportunity, purpose, and nation building. From that noble gesture has grown an institution that continues to yield immeasurable dividends: generations of disciplined leaders, distinguished officers, and accomplished professionals who serve Sri Lanka and the world with honour.

Today, what once was a private estate stands transformed into a beacon of excellence richly bearing fruit for the nation in the form of knowledge, leadership, and service. The legacy of General Sir John lives on not only in name, but in every cadet who passes through those gates, in every graduate who upholds the values instilled, and in every act of service rendered to the motherland.

As the curtain falls on this tribute to the pioneers of KDA Intake 1, we stand in deep gratitude for their courage, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment. As the very first intake of the Academy, they laid the foundation upon which generations of officers would follow. For 45 proud years, they have carried and cherished the enduring legacy of Kotelawala with honour, dignity, and distinction.

Their story is not merely history; it is a living legacy etched in the annals of the nation’s military heritage. In that legacy, the spirit of Kotelawala endures steadfast, inspiring, resilient, and forever in service to the nation.

Bravo Intake 1.