By Roy Denish.
Military medals controversy erupts after a court remark on war decorations sparks anger over sacrifice, dignity and political betrayal.
The military medals controversy that erupted in court has reopened a painful national debate about sacrifice, political betrayal and the respect owed to Sri Lanka’s war heroes.
In an article originally published by the Sri Lanka Guardian, author Shamindra Ferdinando examines the heated exchange that unfolded on July 2, 2026, during legal proceedings involving Major General Suresh Sallay, the former chief of the State Intelligence Service.
Retired Air Force Flight Lieutenant Shantha Jayathilake represented himself under the Criminal Procedure Code. He is a decorated veteran who joined the military in 1989, during the height of the JVP insurgency.
Jayathilake appeared in court wearing his military decorations. They included the Weera Wickrema Vibhushanaya, Sri Lanka’s second-highest gallantry award for living personnel, and the Rana Sura Padakkama.
Military Medals Controversy Begins In Court
The friction began when Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris questioned Jayathilake’s attire. He openly referred to the military medals as pieces of tin.
Jayathilake protested the remark. However, Magistrate Pasan Amarasena warned the retired officer not to interrupt proceedings. Peiris then doubled down, claiming he could not see the decorations properly.
Senior President’s Counsel Maithree Gunaratne, appearing for Sallay, sharply challenged the state prosecutor’s remarks. He said the problem was not with the prosecutor’s eyes, but with the tinted glasses he wore.
Gunaratne argued that those glasses made gallantry medals earned with blood, sweat and tears look like pieces of tin. He also successfully requested that the derogatory comments be officially recorded in the court ledger.
The exchange quickly triggered outrage across mainstream and social media. Many Sri Lankans condemned the language used in court.
Some observers debated whether wearing military decorations in a civilian courtroom was technically appropriate. However, the larger public anger focused on the prosecutor’s framing.
The Sri Lanka Guardian notes that several political factions tried to exploit the episode against the government and the Attorney General’s Department. Yet the core issue remains clear and non-negotiable. Military decorations represent sacrifice. They should never face public ridicule, regardless of a person’s social status.
Medals Earned Through Blood And Sacrifice
The courtroom incident also forced the country to reflect on the heavy price paid by Sri Lankan service members during the war.
Sri Lanka’s highest military honour for battlefield bravery, the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya, has been awarded posthumously only 32 times across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The article highlights several acts of extraordinary courage to show what such honours mean.
Lieutenant Colonel Lalith Jayasinghe of the Special Forces led a deep-penetration unit 40 kilometres into enemy territory in 2008. Although he fell ill, he chose to remain and fight through a fierce ambush. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Navy Lieutenant J.L.D.S. Wijetunga made a similar sacrifice in 1996. He deliberately steered his Fast Attack Craft toward an explosives-laden suicide boat. His action saved a transport ship carrying a large contingent of off-duty service members.
Navy Petty Officer K.G. Shantha also gave his life in 2008. He rammed an enemy craft with his Arrow boat to protect an elite squad.
Air Force Wing Commander T.D.S. Silvapulle showed the same courage in 1999. He flew through severe weather and anti-aircraft fire to repel attacks near Elephant Pass before his helicopter was downed.
Political Betrayal Still Shadows War Heroes
The Sri Lanka Guardian links the courtroom disrespect to a wider pattern of political indifference and betrayal toward the military under different administrations.
The author cites the 2002 Millennium City raid under the United National Party regime as one of the most damaging examples. A secret military intelligence safehouse was compromised due to political paranoia. As a result, many state operatives were exposed, tortured and later assassinated by the LTTE.
The article also points to the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement brokered by Norway. It describes the deal as one-sided because it forced the military to officially halt its highly successful deep-penetration operations. Those missions had kept enemy leadership in constant retreat.
Ferdinando further refers to the 2015 Geneva Resolution co-sponsored by the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe administration. He presents it as another moment when political leaders undermined their own forces.
In conclusion, the article argues that calling hard-earned military decorations pieces of tin reflects a disgraceful and recurring political mindset. It says such thinking undervalues national security and insults the sacrifices made to protect national sovereignty.
The military medals controversy is therefore not just about one courtroom remark. It is about how a nation remembers the men who carried its battles, paid the price and returned with decorations that should command respect, not ridicule.
Related official reference: The Ministry of Defence Sri Lanka provides official defence updates, while the Army Act includes references to the lawful use and wearing of military decorations.
