Rear Admiral T. M. J. Mendis (Manil) passed away early morning last Friday (27th March). He was 69 years old. His 70th birthday was due on 20th April 2026.
Manil studied at Royal College, Colombo 7, and joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 1st June 1977 as an officer cadet. He was the top of his batch (6th intake) and won the “Sword of Honour” for the Best Cadet. Later, on a Commonwealth scholarship, he was sent to the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, UK, to attend the International Midshipmen Course. He trained alongside more than 60 officers from Commonwealth countries, Arab nations, and Pakistan. He brought great honour to Sri Lanka by winning the award for “Best International Midshipman.”
The former Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan, Admiral (R) Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, NI (M), SI (M), BJSN, was his course mate at Dartmouth and held him in very high regard and respect as a brilliant officer and true gentleman.
He returned to Sri Lanka brimming with confidence, and from that time, he was mainly drawn to officer training. He was well known among seniors, peers, and juniors for his knowledge, smartness, and impeccable ability in training. He was methodical and hardworking and was considered one of the best Officer Training Officers the Navy has ever produced.
He completed his Sub Lieutenant Technical Course in India and the Long Navigation Course in Pakistan.
In 1992, he attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Wellington, Ooty, India, where he obtained his Staff College qualification and an MSc in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University.
He was entrusted with the responsibility of planning and conducting the first-ever Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee. He also planned the Officer Training Wing at NMA, and I was fortunate enough to work under him as his deputy.
Trainee officers who were trained under him always had the highest gratitude toward him as an excellent teacher, brilliant officer, and gentleman. He held numerous important positions, including Deputy Area Commander of the Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern Naval Commands, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, and Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy. He was promoted to the rank of Commodore in 2005.
Manil was appointed as Commander of the Southern Naval Area in 2006. On 18th October 2006, an LTTE suicide boat attack on Galle Harbour took place, resulting in the deaths of one sailor and one civilian. Three naval craft were also damaged.
This incident led to his premature retirement, and the naval career of this brilliant officer ended at the rank of Commodore.
He did not waste time or regret what had happened. Manil immediately joined, upon the invitation of the late Mr. S. Rajamahendran (affectionately known as Killi Maharaja at Royal College), the M/S Maharaja Group of Companies and was attached to S-Lon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd as part of the management staff. He demonstrated great efficiency and administrative skills, and at the time of his untimely death, he was serving as Director of Personnel and Administration.
However, in 2015, a committee that looked into political victimization determined that Manil had been treated unfairly in relation to the 2006 Galle Harbour attack incident and recommended his promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral.
He was very proud of his naval career and continued helping retired officers and sailors. He was elected uncontested as President of the Naval Association two years ago. His untimely demise is a great loss to retired Navy officers and sailors, who always approached him for help and advice in finding suitable employment after retirement. Manil found great happiness in helping retired naval personnel.
Manil was a devoted family man. He married at a very young age to Manju Perera, the elder daughter of former UNP Minister and legendary politician from Yatiyanthota, the late Hon. Vincent Perera. They were blessed with two daughters, Udeesha and Ashwini, both of whom are now living in the USA. Udeesha is married to Robert, and they are blessed with a son, Jetha.
Manil and Manju were proud grandparents and were eagerly awaiting their children and grandson’s visit to Sri Lanka during the Sinhala New Year season.
I last met Manil at the British High Commissioner’s residence on 14th March during an alumni reception. He was happy and cheerful as usual and spoke at length about the “good old days” he spent at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, as a young officer.
His funeral will take place on 30th March (Monday) in Borella with full military honours.
Dear Sir, you will be remembered by all naval officers who were trained by you to be honest, professionally competent, and patriotic officers.
May you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.
