Former Army Commander and ex- Defence Secretary, General Hamilton Wanasinghe, with a long service record during one of the most turbulent times in this country’s recent history, passed away yesterday (13) at the age of 91.
During the period of terrorism in the late ’80s and early ’90s (1988-1991), Gen. Wanasinghe provided invaluable service to protect the country. He passed away while undergoing treatment at the Army Hospital, in Narahenpita. He joined the Army as a cadet officer in 1954, received his basic military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He later rose through the ranks, starting as a Second Lieutenant and serving in various capacities in the Army.
Before becoming the Army Commander, he held numerous important positions within the Army. In 1988, he was appointed as the 11th Commander of the Army.
Wanasinghe retired from the Army in 1995, after which he held several prominent positions, including as the Director of Unified Operations and the Secretary of Defence in Sri Lanka.
Born at Malvana, Gampaha, he received his primary and secondary education at Ananda College in Colombo. A skilled athlete, he was also a member of the school’s cadet corps and held the rank of Major in the school’s rifle shooting team. Wanasinghe won numerous accolades during his school years as well as throughout his military career.
He also represented Sri Lanka in international rifle shooting competitions, including the Ceylon Inter-Dominion Rifle Shooting Championship. Gen. Wanasinghe was responsible for introducing the sniper unit in the Sri Lanka Army, which played a critical role in ending the country’s brutal civil war.
The final rites for General Hamilton Wanasinghe will take place on Sunday, 15 June, with full military honours, at the Army’s Memorial Grounds. His body is currently resting at his residence in Malvana, as confirmed by Army spokesperson Brigadier Varuna Gamage.
Additionally, his only son, Maj Gen. Sanjaya Wanasinghe, served as the 2nd Major General of the Regimental Headquarters of the Army. His wife was also a victim of a terrorist attack during the war period at Elephant Pass.