Appreciation of the life of Gen. Lionel Balagalle

(June 15, 1945 - Oct. 26, 2023)

- By NILAKSHAN PERERA

On his 2nd 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 left an indelible mark on the Sri Lanka Army and our nation.

Lionel Piyananda Balagalle was born on 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, Mr. 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.

Having briefly pursued medical studies, his calling for national service led him to join the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 5 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.