Sri Lanka Army Intake 20 honours 40 years of courage, sacrifice, brotherhood and distinguished service to the nation.
Sri Lanka Army Intake 20 marks 40 years of honour, sacrifice, and distinguished service by the officers who answered the nation’s call to duty.
On a day like this, 40 years ago, a call went out for brave and patriotic young men to step forward to safeguard the nation.
Out of 1,039 applicants, only 35 exceptional young men were finally selected after a demanding series of interviews.
They had excelled in academics, sports, leadership, and extracurricular activities at both school and national levels.
On 18 January 1985, they gathered at Army Headquarters to begin what would become a proud and defining military journey.
Leaving behind the comfort of civilian life and the warmth of their loved ones, they chose a path shaped by sacrifice, discipline, and uncertainty.
They knew from the beginning that military life would never be a bed of roses.
From their very first night at Diyatalawa, the Intake was introduced to the harsh realities of military training.
Endurance, fortitude, comradeship, discipline, and dedication soon became the foundation on which their future lives would be built.
Over the months that followed, these young cadets were moulded into disciplined officers through intense physical training, field exercises, leadership development, and military studies.
They faced extremely challenging conditions as they marched through hills, jungles, and valleys, enduring cold, exhaustion, hardship, and pressure.
Yet through those trials, they forged bonds of brotherhood, trust, and loyalty that would last a lifetime.
On 31 May 1986, they proudly passed out as Commissioned Officers of the Sri Lanka Army.
They were ready to serve the nation at a time when Sri Lanka needed their courage and commitment most.
From that day onward, Intake 20 rendered distinguished and selfless service to the Motherland.
Many served in some of the most difficult operational areas in the North and East during the height of the conflict.
With deep respect and eternal gratitude, we remember the brave batchmates who made the supreme sacrifice in defending the sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
Their courage, dedication, patriotism, and loyalty will remain forever etched in the history of the nation.
With deep sorrow and the highest gratitude, we recall the names of the beloved batchmates who laid down their lives in defence of Mother Lanka and future generations:
Lt. Sanath Samarakoon GW (27/08/1986 – Nilaveli),
Lt. Ananda De Silva SLA (07/10/1987 – Mannar),
Capt. Vipula Senevirathne SLA (15/04/1988 – Athurugiriya),
Maj. Prasanna Liyanagoda VIR (30/07/1990 – Mannar),
Maj. Devamiththa Dissanayake GW (01/05/1991 – Trincomalee),
Lt. Col. B. C. K. L. Silva SLLI (13/09/1995 – Plane Crash, Negombo),
Lt. Col. Shantha Jayawerea SLLI (17/11/1995 – Jaffna),
Maj. Srinath Wickramasinghe SLLI (26/12/2004 – Tsunami, Thelwatte),
Maj. Ravi Dissanayake SLASC (20/07/2018 – Military Hospital),
Brig. Jalika Jayasekera (01/11/2025 – Military Hospital).
The remaining members of the Intake went on to hold many important appointments in the Sri Lanka Army.
These included Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Security Forces Commanders, Brigade Commanders of the elite Special Forces, Military Secretary, Commandant of the Military Academy, Directors, and senior officers of various regiments and formations.
Their commitment, professionalism, integrity, and unblemished service brought immense honour not only to Intake 20, but also to the Sri Lanka Army and the nation.
With profound gratitude and deep respect, we remember the Chief Instructor, Maj. Nihal Marambe, who retired as a Major General.
We also remember the Course Officers: Maj. Gamini Balasuriya, who retired as Colonel and served during the 1st Term; Capt. Rohan Induruwa, who retired as Major and served during the 2nd Term; and Capt. Jayavi Fernando, who retired as Colonel and served during the 3rd and Final Term.
Their exceptional leadership, discipline, and dedicated mentorship helped mould Intake 20 into officers of honour, integrity, and courage.
Their guidance inspired them to uphold the highest standards in service to the nation and in life beyond the uniform.
As Intake 20 proudly marks 40 years since its commissioning, its members look back with pride on their dedicated and honourable service to the nation during some of Sri Lanka’s most challenging years.
Though many have now retired from active duty, the bonds of brotherhood and comradeship remain stronger than ever.
Their legacy stands as a proud chapter in the history of the Sri Lanka Army.
We remember with eternal gratitude those who made the supreme sacrifice and salute the veterans of Intake 20 for their courage, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to the Motherland.
Congratulations to Intake 20 on 40 years of proud military legacy.
