Demise of Colonel WWLP Fernando IG,Colonel (Quartering) - Directorate of Real State and Quartering, Army Headquarters

Last rites of late Colonel WWLP Fernando IG, was held with full military honours at 1400 hrs on 12 February 2022 at General Cemetery, Kegalleamidst a large gathering including his close military colleagues, family members and mourners.

Colonel WWLP Fernando IG passed away on 9th February 2022 on admission to the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital after a sudden illness.

Colonel WWLP Fernando IG who was performing duties as the Colonel (Quartering) - Directorate of Real State and Quartering, Army Headquarters has served the Army for more than 29 years in varying capacities including those in the operational areas.

WannakuwattaWaduge Lanka Priyanka Fernando was born on 13 June 1971 as the eldest son to a respectable family in Kandy. He had his education from Kingswood College, Kandy and excelled both in academicsand extracurricular activities. He proved himself as an outstanding sportsman by representing both school hockey and soccer teams. At the completion of school education, young Lanka Fernando, without any hesitation, decided to join the Sri Lanka Army since that was what the motherland was demanding from energetic and enthusiastic youth.

He was enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army on 03 May 1993 as an Officer Cadet with the Intake PMA 6. Having completed his basic military training in both Pakistan Military Academy and Sri Lanka Military Academy, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 17 October 1993. Subsequently, he was posted to the prestigious Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery. He held numerous command, staff and instructional appointments whileperforming duties in different parts of the country, displaying a high degree of professionalism and utmost commitment in discharging responsibilities entrusted to him.

His absolute dedication, commitment and competence displayed towards the service was recognized by promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant on 21 November 1996, to the rank of Captain on 21 November 1999,to the rank of Major on 21 November 2003 and to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 09 October 2014. His aspiring leadership was further rewarded by promoting him to the rank of Colonel on 29 September 2020. During his military career, Colonel WWLP Fernando IG held many appointments in different capacities.

Colonel WWLP Fernando IG followed a number of local and overseas courses in different stages of his military career where he obtained outstanding ratings. Colonel WWLP Fernando IG was a heroic Officer who always led soldiers from the front and set an example to his subordinates. The Senior Officer was awarded with number of medals and decorations inrecognition of his loyal and commendable service to the Army and the nation.