Remembering Naval Officer we lost on Easter Sunday Attack 2019

Today, is 29 April 2025 the Easter Sunday. Six years ago on Easter Sunday 2019, SLCG Ship Suraksha, a 100 meter long Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), was getting ready for a 4-day Patrol. Her tanks were topped up with fuel, all victuals (required for 10 officers and 100 men crew for 14 days) loaded. Both cold and hot meal rations were full with fresh fish/meat and vegetables. Ship was ready to sail at 12 noon on 21st April 2019.

- By Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne

A young lieutenant on board, who took over his new appointment as assistant Logistic Officer a few days back, was working hard. It was a new appointment, new ship, new friends and new crew, for him. He was keen to impress them with his work. A call came from home around 7am from his mother to say they are on their way to the village Church in Kochchikade, Negombo.

He thought of one thing. I am going miss Easter Sunday Mass. He suddenly got an idea and quickly went to the Commanding Officer’s cabin. “Yes” the Commanding Officer replied. “The door is open”. His Commanding Officer was a decorated former Special Forces Commando. He had served on the Sri Lanka Coast Guard on a two tenure as Commanding Officer of OPVs. The young Lieutenant requested the Commanding Officer’s permission to go to Church, even though the Commanding Officer was a veteran decorated Naval Officer with a career of bravery and valour, he was very understanding.