Honouring the War Heroes of Prince of Wales

By Uditha Costa

• It is fitting to honour the College’s war heroes on this occasion

As Prince of Wales College marks its 150th anniversary this year, ceremonial events are held to commemorate this milestone. It is fitting to honour the College’s war heroes on this occasion. Their supreme sacrifice commands our deepest respect and enduring gratitude. As a nation, we must continue to honour all war heroes and members of the Armed Forces who have given their utmost to safeguard the country against grave threats.

PWC has shaped these individuals through its heritage and traditions, instilling discipline, leadership, and a spirit of service. Its cadet tradition has become a defining strength, establishing the College as a distinguished institution that has produced some of the nation’s finest military leaders and courageous defenders.

Admiral Clancy Fernando was an outstanding student of Prince of Wales. He joined the Sri Lanka Navy as a cadet officer in 1957 and rose to become the 11th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. He was one of the nation’s most eminent war heroes to hold one of the highest military positions during that era. His intellectual depth, professional excellence, leadership, and military acumen helped strengthen Sri Lanka’s naval defences against maritime threats. 

He rose steadily through the ranks, demonstrating dedication and strong leadership throughout his career. He was assassinated in 1992 in an LTTE suicide attack, becoming one of the most senior officers in the Sri Lankan Armed Forces to be killed in action. He was specifically targeted due to his sharp military insight and operational expertise in countering evolving threats. 

His courage and willingness to confront risk inspired those under his command, who followed him with confidence and discipline. A deeply committed leader, he consistently upheld his duty to safeguard peace, unity, sovereignty, and national security.

Lieutenant Colonel Srimal Mendis was a distinguished officer of the 1st Gemunu Watch and a highly respected figure in the Sri Lanka Army. During his school career, he excelled as an exceptional cadet and an outstanding senior NCO of the 1st Battalion. He served as Junior Sergeant in 1967, Senior Sergeant in 1970, was promoted to CSM in 1971 and appointed RSM in 1972. 

His leadership and influence among his peers strongly shaped his future military career. Upon joining the Sri Lanka Army, he established himself as a dynamic and fearless officer. He was killed in action during a battle with the LTTE in 1985. His extraordinary dedication, leadership, and charisma reflected exceptional potential and indicated that he could have risen to the highest ranks of the Sri Lanka Army. His passing was a profound loss to the nation and to the Army, which lost one of its most talented and courageous leaders.

Group Captain Faizal Caseer was a distinguished Sri Lanka Air Force pilot and war hero who lost his life in an aircraft crash during the war in 1992. An exceptional student and exemplary cadet, he served as Junior Sergeant in 1975 and CQMS of the 3rd Battalion in 1977. He later joined the Sri Lanka Air Force, rising to the rank of Group Captain. His exceptional flying skills and mastery of air combat tactics significantly enhanced Air Force operations and weakened the enemy. His untimely passing was a profound loss to the nation and the Sri Lanka Air Force, which lost one of its most promising leaders.

Lieutenant Colonel Susantha Punchihewa was a distinguished officer of the Sri Lanka Army Service Corps (SLSC) and a war hero who played a vital role in sustaining battlefield operations. He consistently prioritised his battalion’s operational effectiveness and ultimately made the supreme sacrifice during a fierce confrontation in 2000.

 During his school years, he served as Athletic Captain (1982/83), Lance Sergeant (1983), DHP (1983/84), and RQMS of the 3rd Battalion in 1984. His leadership and sprinting ability were instrumental in securing the Sports Trophy at the Hermann Loos Competition in 1983. An outstanding all-round sportsman, he excelled in cricket, rugby, soccer, and athletics. His promising career was tragically cut short, and he is remembered for his leadership, dedication, and enduring inspiration to future generations.