by Our Defence Affairs Editor
Who guards the guardians once the storm has passed? Who remembers the warriors when the drums of war fall silent and the banners are furled? More importantly, what becomes of those who, having stood as the nation’s shield in its darkest hours, are cast aside when their purpose seems fulfilled? These questions are not mere rhetoric; they cut to the core of our collective conscience.
Admiral (Retired) Nishantha Ulugetenne is a gentleman shaped by solid dedication to his country’s security during one of its most perilous periods. The war against the LTTE was not simply a battle of arms but a decisive struggle over the survival of the Sri Lankan state itself. In such times, commanders like Ulugetenne played roles far beyond their formal titles — they were the bulwarks against dissolution, charged with the vital task of preserving sovereignty.
His naval career, marked by the introduction of new missile technologies and leadership of fast attack flotillas, reflects a blend of strategic vision and operational discipline. In the words of Alfred Thayer Mahan, “Whoever rules the sea commands the trade; whoever commands trade routes commands the riches of the world, and consequently the world itself.” By strengthening Sri Lanka’s maritime defence, Ulugetenne contributed directly to securing the nation’s future.
Yet history teaches us caution. Tacitus observed, “The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.” After conflict, when the urgency of war subsides, political currents often erode the very structures that upheld victory. The service of distinguished men is forgotten, replaced by expediency and political favour. Such treatment recalls the Mahābhārata’s Karna, a paragon of loyalty forsaken due to prejudice and political convenience, reminding us that the true betrayal lies not in failure, but in neglect.
Following his naval service, Ulugetenne was appointed ambassador to Cuba, a role befitting his experience and dedication. However, political shifts led to his recall and replacement by another political appointee, accentuating a troubling pattern where political loyalty trumps merit and service. This practice risks degrading the integrity of national institutions and undermines the principle that service to the nation deserves lasting respect.
Today, Admiral Ulugetenne faces legal proceedings and is behind bars pending ongoing investigations. This development illustrates the complexities and peculiarities within our criminal justice system. It is imperative to recognise that being under investigation is not a verdict, yet the presumption of honourable service must remain intact until due process is concluded. The treatment of such individuals reflects not only on the justice system but on the wider societal values regarding honour, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Clausewitz described war as “the continuation of politics by other means,” but what happens when politics continue war’s consequences without justice or fairness? When the defenders of the nation are sidelined by political expediency, it risks corroding the very foundations of national resilience.
Sun Tzu counselled, “The generals who win are those who understand the heart of their men.” By contrast, sidelining veterans and seasoned leaders sends a disheartening message to those who would serve in the future. It suggests that sacrifice is temporary and that political expediency ultimately eclipses loyalty and competence.
For Sri Lanka to sustain lasting peace and security, it must cultivate a culture that honours those who bore the burden of conflict, transcending the fleeting winds of political change. Justice must be administered fairly and without prejudice, but respect for service and sacrifice must never be a casualty.
In neglecting these principles, the state not only dishonours its past but imperils its future.
