Thibba’s final takeoff 29 years ago

By Nilakshan Perera

On a day like this, on November 18, 1995, an extraordinary mission took flight from Ratmalana Airbase around 0650 hrs, one carrying urgent military supplies destined to support the advancing troops of “Operation Rivirasa.” As the CR-871 Y-8 transport aircraft lifted off from Ratmalana in the early morning, its crew, Squadron Leader Thibba as pilot, co-pilot Squadron Leader Bandu Kumbalathara, Engineering Officer Squadron Leader Lalith Nanayakkara, Communicator Flight Lieutenant Prasanna Balasuriya, Navigator Flying Officer Sanjeewa Gunawardena, and Loadmaster Corporal Jayasinghe—knew their cargo would be critical to the success of their comrades just two kilometres from Jaffna.
By Nilakshan Perera

The journey was dangerous, skimming along the coastline to avoid enemy fire. Their approach to Palaly required every skill and ounce of courage, taking them low over the sea. Flying Officer Sanjeewa Gunawardane was searching for any unidentified boat movements as the sea was very calm. The flight now descended to 500 feet, and the speed was almost 300 kmph. They were 7-8 km from the airfield but over the sea as they made a low-level approach to avoid possible enemy missile attacks from the uncleared Thondaimanaru area. SL Navy Dvoras were visible patrolling the area, as well as an armoured helicopter already placed on their approach path to protect the Y-8. They descended to 300 feet now, and the runway and Palaly communication tower were visible. Just then the navigator, Fly Off Sanjeewa Gunawardane, shouted, “Two high-speed boats are approaching on our left.” At the same time, Palaly Control Tower also informed the same, but before they could complete the message, they heard a loud explosion on the left wing. The explosion sent the Y-8 into an uncontrollable nosedive, crashing into the ocean.

Wing Commander Jayanthalal Thibbotumunuwe

Simultaneously, the aircraft went into an uncontrollable nosedive. Thibba and his co-pilot Kumbalathara tried their best to control the plane, but within a few seconds of the explosion, the Shaanxi Y-8, one of the most popular aircraft of SL Security forces, crashed into the sea almost 3 km from the coastline with six persons onboard and a payload of 35,490 kg. Before the huge aircraft submerged, Thibba, the co-pilot and flight engineer managed to creep through a window and get out of the aircraft. They removed their boots and were floating, expecting the hovering helicopters, which were giving air cover, or naval boats, which were giving sea cover, to come and rescue them. Both Thibba and his co-pilot were great swimmers, having participated in the Mt. Lavinia 2-mile swimming event as schoolboys. Amidst the chaos of crossfire between the Navy and the enemy, they floated in the water, hoping for rescue; the freezing water and relentless gunfire took a toll. Thibba made heroic efforts to support Flight Engineer Nanayakkara, who struggled to stay afloat. But the odds were against them.

Squadron Leader Menuka Thibbotumunuwe

The brave helicopter crew providing cover fought through intense enemy fire to save the remaining crew. but sadly, by the time the naval craft arrived, Thibba and Nanayakkara had slipped into unconsciousness. Both men, who had fought to the last ounce of strength, were later pronounced dead at the Palali Military Hospital. 

Wing Commander T.J.C.B. Thibbatumunawe RWP had made the supreme sacrifice, not only just protecting his motherland but also doing his utmost to save his friend and colleague.

Their sacrifice epitomizes valour and selflessness. Despite facing overwhelming danger, they remained steadfast in their mission, embodying the courage and resilience that defines true heroes. Their legacy lives on in every soldier, every mission, and in the hearts of those they served.

Lt. Commander Diluka Thibbotumunuwe

When Thibba passed away suddenly, his beloved wife, Asintha, was six months pregnant with their third son. Their eldest, Menuka, was only five, and Diluka was just three and a half. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Asintha, a woman of remarkable strength and resilience, raised her three boys with unwavering dedication.

To stay close and support them during their early years, she volunteered as the librarian at Ananda Primary School until each of her sons had completed their primary education. A devoted mother, she was by their side through every after-school activity, embodying true “Mother Courage.”

Chamika Thibbotumunuwe

Inspired by their father’s legacy, all three sons excelled in swimming and basketball, winning national championships for Ananda College. Her eldest, Menuka, went on to follow in his father’s footsteps into the Sri Lanka Air Force as a pilot. Today, he serves as a Squadron Leader and helicopter pilot with the MI Squadron at China Bay and functions as Staff Officer to Drone Operations at Air Force headquarters. Menuka carries forward his father’s legacy with pride and honour.

The second son, Diluka, has carved out an impressive legacy of his own, distinguished by remarkable accomplishments in both sports and service. A gifted swimmer from a young age, he became a national sensation, setting numerous records in breaststroke, and proudly represented Sri Lanka. His talent earned him the honour of holding national records and a prestigious bronze medal at the South Asian Games—all while he was still a schoolboy at Ananda College.

Following his passion for service, Diluka joined the Sri Lanka Navy, where he currently holds the rank of lieutenant commander and serves as assistant diving and salvage officer at Western Naval Command. His dedication and excellence have led him to pursue specialised diving courses abroad in China and India, where he mastered the demanding skills of naval diving. Excelling in his field, he was awarded the accolades of “Best Clearance Diving Officer” and “Best Combat Diver”—a testament to his skill, resilience, and courage.

Today, Diluka stands as a true symbol of his father’s legacy, merging athletic prowess with a distinguished naval career. His achievements bring honor not only to his family but to the entire nation, as he continues to serve with the same determination and excellence that once propelled him through the water as a champion swimmer.

I have no doubt that one day, Diluka will venture to the depths of the seas off Thondaimanaru to seek out the remains of his father's ill-fated Y-8 aircraft. Driven by honour and courage, he will dive not only to reconnect with a piece of his past but to pay tribute to the hero he lost. This journey, into both the waters and the legacy his father left behind, will be a mission of both duty and love—a son's powerful testament to the father who inspired him.

Youngest of the family, Chamika is presently attached to Canada, Scarborough University, reading his MBA.

Thejananda Jayanthalal Chandrasiri Bandara Thibbotumunuwe was born on 8th Nov 1961 to Mr. Ukkubanda Thibbotumunuwe (a locomotive engineer) and Mrs. Somawathi Manike Thiibbotumunuwe (housewife). He was the seventh child of their family of 9 children. Growing up in a large family may have had a positive influence on him; like his father and elder brother Maj. Gen. H.B. Thibbotumunuwe. he too had his entire education at Ananda, while at school he was a utility cricketer, senior cadet, and member of the Karate team and senior prefect. His batch of 1980 has produced the highest number of Security forces personnel, numbering 29, and later as an Officer in the Sri Lanka Air Force he proved himself to be an absolute “Team Man” and had always put others before self. This supreme quality of his was displayed to the very end of his life, while in school he was affectionately known as Thibba, and even after leaving college, this name stuck to him so much so that even after joining the Air Force, he would be referred to as Thibba too. 

My journey with Thibba began back in March 1979, during my induction as a school prefect. Being prefects meant reporting to school by 6:55 a.m., so I started taking the Moratuwa bus rather than my usual 100 Panadura school bus that arrived around 7:05 a.m. It was on this earlier bus, at the stop near the Ratmalana Airport, where I first met Thibba, who lived nearby on Airport Road. We would claim the long rear seat, often shared with the most mischievous students on board, and a lasting friendship began to form.

Our connection deepened through our shared passion for cadetting. Though Thibba was a year senior to me, we quickly became close friends. After leaving college, this bond only grew stronger. Thibba joined the Air Force as an officer cadet, while I had the privilege of entering the Kothelawela Defence Academy (KDA) as an officer cadet as well.

In our final year at KDA in 1985, fate brought us together once more. Thibba, along with T.T.K. Seneviratne and Ruwan Punchihetti—both of whom, like Thibba, would make the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Air Force—were stationed at the KDA Cadet Wing for flying training at the nearby Ratmalana Airport. Together, as young and spirited cadets, we shared countless memorable adventures that remain etched in my heart.

'No' and 'can’t' were non-existent in his vocabulary. If anyone ever wanted anything of him, he would do his utmost to oblige. He would even go to the extent of bending the rules as his desire to be of help to others took precedence over everything else. In short, “he had a heart of gold”. To add to his heart of gold, he was blessed with exceptional skills and nerves of steel. He was a pilot par excellence. Adverse and risky encounters he took in his stride. It was almost second nature to him. On two occasions he had landed SLAFs “trusted Old War Horse” Avro’s with jammed nose wheels, for example. His dedication and commitment to duty were way beyond what was expected, and he had been commended personally by the Commander of the Air Force on several occasions.

As we remember these fallen warriors in November, let us carry forward the pride and honor they held so dear. Their ultimate sacrifice will forever be a reminder of what it means to serve with unwavering commitment.

Though Thibba gave his life for our future, a brave soul who took to the skies with a heart full of courage, his legacy lives on in his three sons. Manuka and Diluka, especially, continue their mission with unwavering dedication, defending our homeland by air and sea. They are the true sons of a hero, carrying forward the duty and honor their father upheld.

In the quiet of the morning and as the sun sets, we will always remember him.

Rest well, Thibba!