It was in September 1990, almost 36 years ago, that the Old Dutch Fort in Jaffna — the seat of government in Jaffna and an Army camp — was attacked by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists. The troops at the Fort fought valiantly for days.
The only access to the Fort was by water, through the channel between Mandaitivu Island and Jaffna Fort. Moving troops and reinforcements to the besieged Fort by crossing this waterway was a suicidal undertaking.
Young Sub Lieutenants volunteered to carry out this task. They were Sub Lieutenants Noel Kalubowila, USR Perera, HRP Gunawardena, ASL Gamage and Sudarshana, Midshipman Wettamuny, and Petty Officer RS Perera. The operation was coordinated by Lieutenant Commander (then) Rohan Amarasinghe.
One of these brave Sub Lieutenants was Noel Kalubowila. His bravery and valour are well recorded in Sri Lanka Navy history. If you read any book or document on Operation Thrivida Balaya (“Tri-Forces Power”), the joint military operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force under the leadership of the legendary Major General (then) Denzil Kobbekaduwa, assisted by Lieutenant Colonel Gotabaya Rajapaksa (First Battalion, Gajaba Regiment), Lieutenant Colonel Sarath Fonseka (First Battalion, Sinha Regiment), and other prominent officers, Sub Lieutenant Noel Kalubowila’s name is mentioned as the naval officer who led the “Suicide Express” boats across the Jaffna lagoon from Mandaitivu to Jaffna Fort.
When his own batchmate, Sub Lieutenant USR Ruwan Perera, and the senior diving officer of the operation, Lieutenant Commander Chanaka Rupasinghe, were severely injured and airlifted to Colombo, Sub Lieutenant Sudarshana replaced Ruwan. Noel, Sudarshana, HRP, ASL, Wettamuny and RS ensured the continuity of the evacuation operation, transporting military and civilian personnel from the besieged Jaffna Fort.
During his brilliant career spanning more than 34 years, he commanded Fast Attack Craft, fast gunboats and Offshore Patrol Vessels. He was selected as the Commanding Officer of the 4th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla (FAF 4), the most challenging assignment and the vanguard squadron of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Noel was selected for the only diplomatic appointment given to the Sri Lanka Navy in the country — Defence Adviser at the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi, India, in 2011. He served at our mission in New Delhi for two years with dedication and professionalism.
Noel undertook one of his most challenging missions from 2006 to 2008 as the Commanding Officer of the Jetliner passenger ferry, which transported more than 3,000 military personnel along the Trincomalee–KKS–Trincomalee sea route until the land route to Jaffna was secured.
His ship was a prime target of the LTTE Sea Tigers and was attacked with 122 mm artillery fire while entering Trincomalee harbour with a full load of military personnel on 1 August 2006. Under his command, Jetliner transported around 3,000 military personnel every week along the Trincomalee–KKS–Trincomalee route. He ensured the safe passage of all these personnel.
Following the completion of the Humanitarian Operation, Noel rose to the rank of Rear Admiral and became Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Volunteer Force.
His second son followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Sri Lanka Navy as a cadet. He is now undergoing training at the prestigious US Naval Academy in Annapolis, USA.
Dear Noel,
You did your duty to the Navy and to the country. You kept your watch with dedication, integrity and honesty, and upheld the highest traditions of naval professionalism.
Sleep well, buddy.
