Naval Officer who made Gentlemen into Good Navy Officers

“Hailed as the ‘Father of the SLN Provost and Regulating Branch,’ Rear Admiral Mendis was the architect of the Navy’s professional police wing during its establishment in 2000.” 

“Though his career was unfairly interrupted in 2006, his integrity was later vindicated by his promotion to Rear Admiral and his selfless leadership of the Naval Association.”  

By Admiral Ravindra 

C Wijegunaratne 

Rear Admiral T M J Mendis (Manil) passed away last Friday (27th March) early morning. He was 69 years old. His 70th Birthday was due on 20th April 2026! 

Manil studied at Royal College, Colombo 7 and joined Sri Lanka Navy on 1st June 1977 as an officer cadet. Top of his batch (6th intake) and won the “Sword of Honour” for the best Cadet. 

Then, on a Commonwealth scholarship, he was sent to the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, UK, to attend the International Midshipmen Course. He trained with more than 60 officers from Commonwealth countries, Arab Nations and Pakistan. He brought great honour to Sri Lanka by winning the award “Best International Midshipman “. 

The former Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Admiral (R) Zafar Mahamood Abbasi, NI (M), SI (M), BJSN was his course mate at Dartmouth and has a very high regard and respect to Manil as a brilliant officer and true gentleman. 

He returned to Sri Lanka brimming with confidence and from that time he was attracted mainly for officer training. He is well known to seniors, peers and juniors for his knowledge, smartness and impeccable ability in training. He was methodical and hardworking and considered as one of the best Officer Training Officers the Navy has ever produced. 

He did his Sub Lieutenant technical Course in India and Long Navigation Course in Pakistan. 

In 1992, he attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Wellington, Ooty, India and obtained his Staff College qualification and MSc (Defence and Strategic Studies) from Madras University. 

He was given the responsibility of planning and conducting the first-ever Sub Lieutenant Technical Course at Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee. 

He planned the Officer Training Wing at NMA, and I was fortunate enough to work under him as his deputy. 

In January 2000, Navy Board of Management and then Commander of the Navy (Admiral H C A C Thissera) declared to establish Naval Provost and Regulating Branch (widely known as NAVAL POLICE), it was Manil who was entrusted with the task. He was the best person with honesty, integrity and professional knowledge on Navy rules/ regulations to do this task and he did it diligently. This branch celebrated its 25th (Silver jubilee) anniversary in January 2025 and hailed Manil as “Father of SLN Provost and Regulating Branch.” 

Trainee officers who were trained under him always had the highest gratitude to him as an excellent teacher, brilliant officer and gentleman. He held numerous very important positions such as deputy Area Commander of East, West, North and Southern Naval Commands, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet and Commandant of Naval and Maritime Academy. He was promoted to the rank of Commodore in 2005. 

Manil was appointed as Commander Southern Naval Area in 2006, and on 18th October 2006, LTTE Suicide boat attack on Galle Harbour took place, and one sailor and one civilian died. Three Naval Craft also damaged. 

This incident made Manil to prematurely retire and Naval Career of brilliant officer was terminated as a Commodore. 

He did not waste time or regret what had happened. Manil immediately joined on the invitation of the late Mr S Rajamahendran (affectionately known as Killi Maharaja at Royal College) to his M/S Maharaja Group of Companies and attached to S-Lon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd management staff. He showed his efficiency and administrative skills, and when he had his untimely death, he was working as Director Personnel and Administration. 

However, in 2015, it was decided by Committee looked into Political Victimisation that Manil was treated unfairly in 2006 Galle Harbour attack incident and recommended to promote him to Rear Admiral rank. 

He was very proud of his Naval career and continued helping retired officers and sailors. He was elected as President of Naval Association uncontested two years ago. His untimely demise great loss to retired Navy officers and sailors, whom always approached for his help and advice. to find a suitable job on their retirement. Manil was so happy in helping retired Naval personnel. 

Manil is a great family man. Manil got married at a very young age to Manju Perera, the elder daughter of former UNP Minister, legendary politician from Yatiyanthota late Hon Vincent Perera. They were blessed with two daughters (Udeesha and Ashwini) both of whom were living in the USA now. Udeesha is married to Robert and blessed with a son, Jetha. 

Manil and Manju were proud grandparents and were waiting for their children and grandson to visit Sri Lanka during the Sinhala New Year season.  I last met Manil at the British High Commissioner’s residence on 14th March during the Alumni reception. He was happy and cheerful as usual and talked at length about “good old days” he had at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, UK, as a young officer. 

The funeral took place on 30th March (Monday) at Borella with full military honours. 

Dear Sir, you will be remembered by all Naval officers who were trained by you to be honest, professionally competent and patriotic Naval officers. 

May you attain Supreme Bless of Nirvana. 

The author is WV, RWP and Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, NI (M) (Pakistan), ndc, psn, Bsc

(Hons) (War Studies) (Karachi) MPhil (Madras) Former Navy Commander and Former Chief of Defence Staff, Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd, Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Former High Commissioner to Pakistan