Profound Appreciation of the life and legacy of General Balagalle

General Lionel Balagalle RWP RSP VSV USP ndc IG 15th June 1945 – 26th October 2023

By Nilakshan Perera

On his second death anniversary, we pay our deepest respect and heartfelt tribute to General Lionel Balagalle, an illustrious son of Sri Lanka, a noble soldier, and an exemplary leader whose vision, dedication, and humility have left an indelible mark on the Sri Lanka Army and our nation.

Lionel Piyananda Balagalle was born on the 15th of June 1945, to a devoted school principal and a teacher from Devalapola, Minuwangoda. Young Lionel’s journey began with values of discipline, education, and service. He had his early education at Harischandra Vidyalaya, Negombo, and thereafter at Ananda College, Colombo, as a hosteller; his hostel master was Col G W Rajapakse, where his leadership and versatility began to shine. Inspired by his cadeting master and chemistry teacher, G.L.B. Wijesinghe, young Balagalle excelled both in cadeting and athletics, becoming Ananda’s Senior Cadet Sergeant in 1964, Best Commander of the 3rd Battalion Cadet Corps, and a champion one-mile runner for three consecutive years.

Ananda College Senior Cadet Platoon 1964. Cadet Sergeant Lionel Balagalle seated between Principal Lt Col E A Perusinghe and Vice Principal Lt Col G W Rajapakse

Cadet Sergeant Lionel Balagalle – Best Commander 3CCC

Having briefly pursued medical studies, his calling for national service led him to join the Sri Lanka Army as an officer cadet on 5th April 1965. Upon commissioning on 5th April 1967, he was the only officer from his intake to be posted to the prestigious 4th Regiment, Ceylon Artillery.

In 1981, then Commander of the Army, General T.I. Weeratunga, recognising his analytical mind and leadership, entrusted Major Lionel Balagalle with forming and heading a new Army Intelligence Unit stationed at Gurunagar, Jaffna, assisted by young Captain Sunil Thennakoon from his own regiment, Artillery. This modest beginning became the foundation of what is today the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI). His vision, commitment, and foresight earned him the esteemed title of “Father of the Sri Lanka Army’s Intelligence Corps.”

In recognition of his excellence, Colonel Balagalle attended advanced intelligence and security courses in the United Kingdom and later became the first Director of Military Intelligence and Commanding Officer of the Military Intelligence Corps (1990–1994). His tireless dedication led to the expansion of the Intelligence Corps into a strong and vital arm of the Army, now comprising six battalions. All this precise vital information was an important factor in the Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrols (LRRP) conducted by the Special Forces.

An officer of exceptional professionalism, he also distinguished himself as one of the few officers to qualify as an Instructor Gunnery (IG) at Deolali, India (1977–1978), a rare and prestigious qualification within the Artillery Regiment.

On 24th August 2000, Lt. Gen. Lionel Balagalle became the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and was later promoted to General. Notably, he was the first locally trained officer cadet to ascend to the highest position in the Army’s history.

During his tenure as Commander of the Army, he continued to strengthen the Army’s intelligence capability. With his deep understanding of national security needs, General Balagalle personally persuaded the then-President of Sri Lanka to authorise the formation of a separate regiment for military intelligence, a historic decision that transformed the structure and effectiveness of the Army’s intelligence operations. This visionary initiative stands as one of his most enduring contributions to the defence establishment of Sri Lanka.

Another landmark achievement of his leadership was deploying Sri Lankan troops for United Nations peacekeeping missions, a concept he championed and made a reality, bringing international recognition and pride to the nation.

While serving as Commander of the Army, he was concurrently appointed as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), becoming the first serving Commander to hold both offices simultaneously. His tenure was marked by strategic leadership, calm authority, and unwavering care for his soldiers. He guided the Army through a challenging phase of the nation’s history with profound dedication and compassion.

Throughout his distinguished 39-year military career, General Balagalle exemplified discipline, integrity, and humanity. His leadership was rooted in humility, a quality that endeared him to all ranks. Despite his towering achievements, he remained deeply connected to his roots, maintaining lifelong friendships with his classmates and former cadet platoon mates.

Beyond the uniform, General Balagalle was known for his soft-spoken nature, methodical approach, and love for music. His favourite song, “Manike mama aye gedera enawa”, sung at his farewell dinner at the Regiment of Artillery, still echoes fondly in the hearts of those who knew him. He possessed an abundance of patience and never got offended easily, always maintaining a remarkably calm and composed temperament. Many who had the privilege of serving with him learnt invaluable lessons from his extraordinary sense of balance and emotional maturity.

General Balagalle married his sweetheart, Gnana Ganepola, on 3rd Jan 1970; they were blessed with Nirmala, Lakmal and Vishaka. His only son, Lakmal, who proudly followed in his father’s footsteps as an artillery officer, retired as a major.

General Lionel Balagalle passed away peacefully on 26th October 2023 at the Army Hospital at the age of 75. His funeral, held with full military honours on 28th October 2023 at the Borella General Cemetery, was a solemn testament to the love and respect he earned across the nation.

On the second anniversary of his passing, we honour him with our deepest gratitude for his unparalleled service to the motherland, his visionary leadership, and the lasting legacy he left in the hearts of those who served under him.

May the life and service of General Balagalle continue to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike. May his journey through Samsara be peaceful and swift toward Nibbana.