Devinda Kalupahana facts for kids

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Major General Devinda Kalupahana was a brave and important army general from Sri Lanka. He served in the Sri Lanka Army for many years. He held several high-ranking positions during his career. These included leading different army divisions and training future soldiers.

Early Life and Military Training

Devinda Kalupahana went to Royal College, Colombo for his education. In 1966, he decided to join the army. He started as a cadet officer.

Training at Sandhurst

His military training began at the famous Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. This is a very respected place where many army officers are trained. While he was training, a conflict broke out in Cyprus. His group of cadets was sent there to help. They stayed until regular army units arrived to take over.

First Steps as an Officer

In 1968, after his training, he officially became an officer. He was a second lieutenant in the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment. This unit was part of the Ceylon Armoured Corps.

A Career of Leadership

After his first role, Devinda Kalupahana took on many different jobs in the army. He was a troop leader and later became an instructor. He taught new officers at the Army Training Centre in Diyatalawa. Years later, he returned there as the chief instructor. This center is now known as the Sri Lanka Military Academy.

Important Roles

He also worked as a staff officer in several key locations. These included the Northern Command Headquarters and the main Sri Lanka Army Headquarters. He also led the Combat Training School in Ampara.

Leading New Units

In 1988, he helped create the 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment. This was a new unit for the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps. He became its first commanding officer. By this time, he held the rank of lieutenant colonel. After this, he became the commandant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy. He then took command of the Area Headquarters in Vavuniya.

Key Military Operations

Major General Kalupahana played a vital role in important military operations.

Operation Sea Breeze

One significant event was Operation Sea Breeze. This was the first time the Sri Lankan military launched an attack from the sea. Colonel Kalupahana led a group of soldiers. They landed on the beach in the second wave of the operation. Their mission was successful in securing the landing area.

Later Career and Retirement

After these achievements, he continued to rise in the army. He became the director of operations at the Army Headquarters. He also served as the regimental commander of the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps. He then became the general officer commanding of the 3 Division. Later, he led the 2 Division. He retired from the army in 1996. By then, he had reached the high rank of major general.

Awards and Recognition

General Kalupahana received several awards for his service and bravery. He studied at the Armed Forces Staff and Command College in Germany.

• The Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) was given to him for his bravery in combat.
• The Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) is a service medal.
• He also received the Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal.
• The Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal.
• And the Purna Bhumi Padakkama.

In 2010, he shared his experiences with the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. This commission was set up to learn from past conflicts.