Asoka Jayawardena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Major General Deshamanya
Asoka Jayawardhana
RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, rcds
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|---|---|
| 4th Governor of North Eastern Province | |
| In office 13 November 1998 – 30 November 2004 |
|
| Preceded by | Gamini Fonseka |
| Succeeded by | Tyronne Fernando |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 2023 (79 years) Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| 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 | 1963 - 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 Jayawardhana was an important army general and politician from Sri Lanka. He was also known as Major General Asoka Jayawardhana. He served as the fourth Provincial Governor of the North Eastern Province. He also held the role of Secretary to the Minister of Defence.
Contents
Military Career and Leadership
Asoka Jayawardhana had a long and successful career in the Sri Lanka Army. He joined the army in 1963 and served until 1998. During his time, he became a Major general.
Key Military Roles
He held several important positions. One of his top roles was being the Overall Operational Commander (OOC) of the Sri Lanka Army. This meant he was in charge of all major army operations. He also served as the Security Forces Commander in Jaffna. This was a very important job, especially during the Sri Lankan civil war.
Leaving the Army
In 1997, another officer, Lt. Gen. Srilal Weerasooriya, took over his role as Overall Operational Commander. Major General Jayawardhana retired from the army in 1998.
Political Career and Governorship
After his military service, Asoka Jayawardhana started a new career in politics.
Becoming Governor
In 1998, he was appointed as the Governor of North Eastern Province. He took over this role from Gamini Fonseka. Mr. Fonseka had resigned because he had different ideas from the President at that time.
Trusted Advisor
Major General Jayawardhana was known to be a close friend and trusted advisor to the President, Chandrika Kumaratunga. Many believed he was one of her main military advisors.
Historic Visit
He 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 Jayawardhana received many awards for his service to Sri Lanka.
Military Medals
His military awards include:
- Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP)
- Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP)
- Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya (VSV)
- Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP)
National Title
In 2005, he was given a special national title called Deshamanya. This is a high honor given to people who have done great things for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Awards Display
In Order of Precedence:
Rana Wickrama Padakkama
Rana Sura Padakkama
Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya
Uttama Seva Padakkama
