On a day like this, 40 years ago, a call was made for brave and patriotic young men to step forward to safeguard the Nation. Out of 1,039 applicants, only 35 outstanding young men, who had excelled in academics, sports, leadership, and extracurricular activities at both school and national levels, were finally selected after a rigorous series of interviews. They gathered at Army Headquarters on 18 January 1985 to begin their military journey.
Leaving behind the comfort of civilian life and the embrace of their loved ones, they embarked on a path of sacrifice, discipline, and uncertainty, fully aware that military life would never be a bed of roses. From the very first night at Diyatalawa, the Intake was exposed to the harsh realities of military training, where endurance, fortitude, comradeship, and dedication became the foundation of their lives.
Over the months that followed, these young cadets were transformed into disciplined officers through demanding physical training, field exercises, leadership development, and military studies under extremely challenging conditions. They marched through hills, jungles, and valleys, enduring cold, exhaustion, and hardship, while forging lifelong bonds of brotherhood and loyalty.
On 31 May 1986, they proudly passed out as Commissioned Officers of the Sri Lanka Army, ready to serve the Nation at a time when the country needed them most. From that day onward, Intake 20 rendered distinguished and selfless service to the Motherland, with many serving in 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, and patriotism will forever remain etched in the history of the Nation.
With deep sorrow and the highest gratitude, we recall the names of our beloved batchmates who made the supreme sacrifice in defending our Mother Lanka for 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 Jayaweera 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 rest of the Intake went on to hold many key appointments in the Sri Lanka Army, including 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 their Intake, but also to the Sri Lanka Army and the Nation.
With profound gratitude and deep respect, we remember our Chief Instructor, Maj. Nihal Marambe (retired as Major General), and our Course Officers: Maj. Gamini Balasuriya (retired as Colonel – 1st Term), Capt. Rohan Induruwa (retired as Major – 2nd Term), and Capt. Jayavi Fernando (retired as Colonel – 3rd and Final Term), whose exceptional leadership, discipline, and dedicated mentorship moulded us into officers of honour, integrity, and courage. Their guidance inspired us to always 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 times. Though 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.
