'Hasalaka Gamini' remembered

[Godman]

'Hasalaka Gamini' remembered
[July 15 2016]

25th Death Anniversary of War Hero Corporal Gamini Kularatne

The 25th death anniversary of 'Hasalaka Gamini' was commemorated on Thursday (14th July 2016). Corporal Gamini Kularatne, popularly known as 'Hasalaka Gamini' was a brave War Hero who made the supreme sacrifice during the Elephant Pass battle.

Two separate ceremonies were held at the Hasalaka Gamini Memorial at Elephant Pass and at his statue at Hasalaka junction in Mahiyanganaya. Family members of the Late War Hero, military and state officials attended the memorial ceremony at Hasalaka.

Corporal Kulathunga was posthumously awarded the highest decoration a soldier could earn, the Parama Weera Vibhushana (PWV) Medal after he sacrifices his life in his attempt to stop an explosive laden LTTE armoured bulldozer which attempted to blow up the Elephant Pass camp on July 14, 1991. The young soldier braving stiff enemy fire lobbed a grenade inside the advancing vehicle and died on his effort effectively stopping its advance.

The memorial to Hasalaka War Hero was later set up at Elephant Pass with the remnants of the bulldozer he helped to destroy.

 

[HeinzG]

His sacrifice will not be forgotten. He has joined the ranks of the eternal heroes such as Neela maha yodaya, Gotaimbara etc., Generations to come will revere him as a hero and an inspiration.

His sacrifice was phenomenal not only because he sacrificed his life to save his fellow comrades but also saved the entire elephant camp complex, the Jaffna peninsula and the then UNP government from falling.

He was an inspiration for number young boys to join the army and fight for the country. It is a little wonder that a thin peasant boy from a rural village in central highlands could muster such a courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Feeling proud of him. A true son of soil.

 

[Gibbs]

Forever be remembered