In Memory of one of the finest soldiers of Mother Lanka -Lt Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa
Posted on August 8th, 2014
Ranjith Soysa
When you are inspired by some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds..
Your mind transcends limitations. Patanjali
Lt Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa ‘s life was snatched away on 8th August 1992 leaving ever grateful millions of Sri Lankas in tears. He was a gentle soldier who led his team tactfully and bravely infusing confidence and inspiration to all who came into contact with him. The strategy and tactics he employed in the battlefield are legendary in that maximum results were achieved with the minimum use of resources causing least dislocation to the civilians.
The recapture of the Elephant Pass in 1991. the clearance of the Eastern Province and Adampan Operation were some of the more significant and memorable battlefield achievements of this military leader.
One important quality of this great soldier was his inborn sense of justice and fair play He won the hearts and minds of civilians as well the fighting carders. He lead from the front and was able to convince his forces that it was their own war as well as most of the civilians that it was much better to live in a free society than under the terrorists.
His humanitarian approach towards the civilians won him plaudits from UNHCR. Even after he was heavily wounded the late Lt Gen Kebbekaduwa at the site of the blast told I am alright .see what can be done to others’ underpinning his human kindness.
The legend of Denzil Kobbekadwa forever will be a beacon light for generations of Sri Lankan soldiers who are the protectors of Sri Lankan Nation and the Land of Sri Lanka.
The following quotes from the Lost Art of War remind us of the peerless calibre of this gentle giant.
Commanders must be just: If they are not just they will lack dignity. Commandeers must be human: if they are not human their forces will not be effective. Commanders must have integrity: without integrity they have no power…”