Janet's Journal

Gamini Kularathne – Hasalaka Weeraya

Born and raised in a Hasalaka, a poor district of Kandy, Gamini Kularathne joined the army in 1987 with the rank of Rifleman, Lance Corporal.  

Four years later on the night of 13 July 1991 he was on duty with the army garrison at Elephant Pass watching for LTTE infiltrators.

The 600 strong garrison came under attack from hundreds of fighters, seemingly coming from all directions.  In the midst of the fighting an armoured bulldozer was seen rumbling towards the southern entrance of the camp.

Lance Corporal Kularathne grabbed two grenades, and ran towards the bulldozer, climbed the ladder and threw the grenades inside.  The bulldozer was stopped, the camp was saved but the young soldier died in the explosion. 

 It was subsequently discovered that the drivers of the bulldozer had been chained inside to stop them escaping.

In recognition of his bravery, Lance Corporal Kularathne was posthumously promoted to the rank of Corporal and honoured with the highest award for gallantry, the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya (equivalent to the British Victoria Cross).

After the war, a memorial was set up on the main A9 at Elephant Pass with the remains of the bulldozer prominently on display.  

There is a car park and a small museum which tells the story with the aid of photographs and original video film.  Donations are accepted which go to support his Mother and family.