Asoka Jayawardena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Major General Deshamanya
Asoka Jayawardena
RWP, RSP, VSV, USP
|
|
|---|---|
| 4th Governor of North Eastern Province | |
| In office 13 November 1998 – 30 November 2004 |
|
| Preceded by | Gamini Fonseka |
| Succeeded by | Tyronne Fernando |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Spouse | Srimathi (m. 1975; d. 2002) |
| Children | Two children |
| Alma mater | S. Thomas' College, Colombo |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Sri Lanka |
| Branch/service | Sri Lanka Army |
| Years of service | 19?? – 1998 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Unit | Sri Lanka Light Infantry |
| Commands | Security Forces Headquarters - Jaffna Overall Operational Commander |
| Battles/wars | Sri Lankan Civil War |
Major General Asoka Kanthilal Jayawardena was an important general in the Sri Lanka Army. He also became a politician. He served as the Provincial Governor of the North Eastern Province. He also worked as the Secretary to the Minister of Defence.
Contents
Military Career Highlights
Asoka Jayawardena held a very important position in the Sri Lanka Army. He was the Overall Operational Commander (OOC). This meant he was in charge of many military operations.
Leading the Forces
Before becoming the OOC, Jayawardena was the Security Forces Commander in a place called Jaffna. He was a key leader during the Sri Lankan civil war. In 1997, another general, Lt. Gen. Srilal Weerasooriya, took over his role as OOC.
Political Journey
After a long and successful career in the army, Asoka Jayawardena retired in 1998. He then started a new path in politics.
Becoming Governor
Soon after retiring, he was chosen to be the Governor of North Eastern Province. The previous governor, Gamini Fonseka, had left the position. Jayawardena was known to be a trusted advisor to the President of Sri Lanka at that time, Chandrika Kumaratunga. Many believed he was one of her main military advisors.
First Governor to Visit Jaffna
Jayawardena made history as the first governor of the North Eastern Province to visit the Jaffna peninsula. This visit happened after the North Eastern Provincial Council was set up.
Awards and Honors
Asoka Jayawardena received several important awards for his service to Sri Lanka. These awards recognize his bravery and dedication.
Military Medals
He was awarded several medals for his military service:
- Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP)
- Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP)
- Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV)
- Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP)
National Title
In 2005, he received a special national title called Deshamanya. This is a high honor given to people who have made great contributions to Sri Lanka.
Images for kids
-
Rana Wickrama Padakkama
-
Rana Sura Padakkama
-
Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya
-
Uttama Seva Padakkama
