My acquaintance with Chula goes back to 1976–77, when Ananda Under-15 soccer practices were held at Campbell Place. Chula was a brilliant midfielder who could kick the ball with both feet—an advantage that earned him a place in the college teams. He was dynamic, versatile, and courageous despite his small stature. Though Chula was one year junior to me, and his elder brother Roshan was my classmate, he always respected and admired all his brother’s classmates. He was a silent, disciplined, and humble student during his college days.
Don Chulajathra Jalika Wickramasinghe Jayasekera was born on 15 December 1964 to Mr. Roger Jayasekera, Senior Superintendent of Prisons, and Mrs. Jayanthi. Chula spent his childhood at the Prison Quarters until 1978. His playgrounds were the prison grounds, Nalanda grounds, and Campbell Place until Ananda College acquired its own grounds thanks to the tireless efforts of Col. G.W. Rajapakse in December 1978.
Chula’s father, regarded as one of the most distinguished Prison Superintendents, discharged his duties with utmost respect and integrity.
In 1978, the family moved to their ancestral home, Wickramasinghe–Jayasekera Walauwa in Thalwatte, Kelaniya, where Chula’s proud lineage is rooted. He was deeply loved by his peers and neighbours.
Chula joined the Sri Lanka Military Academy on 18 January 1985 as an Officer Cadet of Intake 20. I vividly recall 20 November 1985, when the Delica L-300 bearing No. 20 Sri 763 carried seven of us from KDA to SLMA. We arrived around 1800 hrs and were greeted by senior cadets, including Cadet Sergeant Rohana Bandara, Devamitta Dissanayake, Aruna Vithanage, Prasanna Liyanagoda, Gavesh Ginige, Sanath Samarakoon, Dushantha Rajaguru, and our own Chula Jayasekera.
Chula welcomed me personally and invited me to share his room until we received our own accommodation the next day. That gesture alone reflected his big heart and brotherly spirit—qualities that defined him throughout his life.
During our training, Chula displayed leadership, discipline, and unwavering punctuality. He never allowed the Intake to be punished for lateness. His small build was never a limitation to his command presence or determination.
Chula was commissioned on 20 September 1986 into one of the most distinguished infantry regiments of the Sri Lanka Army, the Singha Regiment. He always yearned to serve on the front lines, and by 1989, both the 4th and 6th Battalions of SLSR had been deployed in Elephant Pass.
On the night of 19 March 1987, the LTTE launched a major attack to capture Army positions in Jaffna CTO, Rupavahini, and Pannai Quarters—strategic areas providing depth to the 4 SLSR Battalion HQ at Jaffna Fort. Although the enemy initially penetrated Pannai Quarters, 4 SLSR troops counter-attacked and eventually secured the area after days of intense fighting.
The three officers defending CTO were Lt. Hiran Dabare, Lt. Jalika Jayasekera, and Lt. Modestus Fernando, under the command of Bravo Company’s OC, Capt. Jayantha Kotelawela. In the early hours of 20 March, Chula was critically wounded by a devastating barrage of RPGs and improvised LTTE “Baba” mortars.
He was airlifted to Anuradhapura and later to Colombo, undergoing nearly three months of treatment. Yet once recovered, he insisted on returning to the front lines—his dedication unshakeable.
He sustained 28 splinters across his body, two in his cheek, and three life-threatening fragments lodged in his lungs. They frequently caused severe infections requiring repeated treatment at the Military Hospital. But Chula never complained. He continued to serve with courage, honour, and remarkable endurance. That was the Chula we knew—steadfast, resilient, and fiercely loyal.
He served as Officer Instructor at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Adjutant, Chief Instructor of the Military Academy, Centre Commandant of the Special Forces Regimental Centre, and of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, discharging his duties with integrity, commitment, and military precision. “I can” and “I will” were words he lived by; procrastination had no place in his 36-year military career.
Chula was devoted to his 82 Group schoolmates of Ananda, his soccer teammates, and his Intake 20 brothers. He never missed a gathering, a Big Match, or any event—his presence always brought life and warmth.
On 30 April 1992, after a proposal, Chula and Samadara were joined in holy matrimony at St. Mary’s Church, Kochchikade, Negombo. Their union was blessed with two remarkable children who later excelled in their chosen fields. During the years when Chula was away on national duty, it was Samadara who lovingly shouldered the family responsibilities, ensuring the children received the best in education and extracurricular activities.
Their elder son, Kalindu, became the Senior Cadet Sergeant and Head Prefect of St. Peter’s College, and Vice-Captain of the Taekwondo team. He later joined the Army like his father—Major Kalindu Jayasekera—wearing the prestigious maroon beret. He is a highly skilled combat firing marksman, combat diver, military paratrooper, jump master, and the Commanding Officer of the K9 Group of the Commando Regiment.
Their daughter, Lahiri, a former Holy Family Convent netball player, entered the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, earned her LL.B, qualified as an Attorney-at-Law, and now serves as a Legal Officer at a respected firm.
Tragically, after a brief illness, Chula’s beloved wife Samadara passed away on 19 June 2015, leaving all family responsibilities upon his shoulders. Yet with courage and resilience, both children continued to shine in their chosen fields.
After retiring from the Army as Brigadier in December 2019, Chula served as Director General – Training at the Civil Security Department. Upon completing his service, he returned to his home in Thalwatte. Chula faced every challenge with conviction and strength. He never abandoned the home he built, even during severe flooding—choosing to remain upstairs for days until the waters receded.
Throughout his life, the splinters lodged deep within his body were not only a medical challenge but a burden he carried with quiet dignity. Whenever he travelled abroad, the metal fragments were detected during security screenings, triggering long interrogations and lengthy explanations.
With patience and composure, he would recount his story—of battles fought, sacrifices made, and the fragments he carried as silent medals of honour. He always travelled with a file of military medical records and letters from Army doctors to verify the truth etched into his body.
This was the true warrior’s saga—a reminder that long after the guns fall silent, a soldier continues to bear the weight of war, both visible and unseen.
A proud son of Thalwatte, Kelaniya, descended from generations of Wickramasinghe–Jayasekera lineage, he also served as President of the Wickramasinghe–Jayasekera Trust Fund.
He was admitted to the Military Hospital on 27 October due to a wounded leg, and on 1 November 2025, Chula passed away peacefully in his sleep following a sudden cardiac arrest.
Chula lived a full, honourable, and meaningful life. He left this world with immense pride in the achievements of his beloved children. His final rites drew together his Ananda classmates, comrades-in-arms, the Commander of the Army, senior officers, and friends from across the country—all gathered to honour a man they cherished.
The funeral service was reverently celebrated by the Kelaniya Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Bertrum Ranjith, at St. Theresa’s Church, Kelaniya, at 1530 hrs. Thereafter, Chula was laid to rest with full military honours on the serene banks of the Kelani River, in St. Theresa’s Church cemetery—a resting place as calm, gentle, and dignified as the soul it now cradles.
As the haunting notes of the Last Post echoed through the air—signifying that a brave soldier had gone to his final rest—another unsung hero took his eternal leave. A sincere friend to many, a devoted father, and a noble son of the soil was laid to rest beside the love of his life, completing a journey defined by courage, humility, and loyalty.
The Commander of the Army, Lt. Gen. Lasantha Rodrigo, together with senior officers, presented his military medals to his family—a final salute befitting the gallant officer he was, and will forever be remembered as.
Farewell dear Chula. Your legacy lives on in the hearts you touched, the comrades you inspired, and the children who carry your light forward.
I apologise for calling him Chula, but it is the name I knew and used from the day we met. Though he was known as Jalika in the Army, to me—and to many of his school friends—he was always Chula.
We lost a great batchmate, a sincere soul, a cheerful companion, and for me an irreplaceable neighbour and friend. Our future Intake 20 gatherings will never be the same without his presence, his laughter, and his endless stories.
Farewell, dear Chula. You will be deeply missed, remembered fondly, and honoured forever.
May you rest in eternal peace.
Let perpetual light shine upon you.
