Memorial Oration in Honour of the late General Deshamanya Denis Perera

Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s address was marked by clarity, depth, and foresight. He traced the evolution of military leadership from the foundations of timeless values— honour, duty, and sacrifice—to the emerging demands of modern conflict and the global security environment

The traditional Memorial Oration in honour of the late General Deshamanya Denis Perera was held on August 11, 2025, at the Faculty of Graduate Studies Auditorium, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). The solemn occasion brought together a distinguished assembly of military veterans, dignitaries, and members of the diplomatic corps, who gathered to honour the memory and legacy of one of Sri Lanka’s most revered military leaders. 
The oration was delivered by Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, on the theme “Honour, Duty, and Country: The Evolution of Military Leadership in a Changing World”. 
The proceedings commenced with an official procession that conducted the orator to the stage. The procession comprised Past Presidents of ARFRO General G.H. de Silva, General Srilal Weerasooriya, Major General Lohan Gunawardena, and Rear Admiral Sarath Rathnakeerthi. ARFRO Vice Presidents Major General Susil Chandrapala and Rear Admiral A.V. Abeyasena, Chairman of the Organising Committee Air Vice Marshal Kishan Yahampath, ARFRO Secretary Air Vice Marshal Janak Wanigatunge, and the incumbent President Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala followed in the procession. 
The event was graced by Ranjini Perera, the wife of the late General, together with her three sons and many other prominent personalities.
Among the other distinguished attendees were: Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General K.P.A. Jayasekara, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral B.A.K.S.P. Banagoda, Vice Chancellor of KDU, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara. The occasion was further honoured by the presence of Past Commanders of the three services, Generals G.H. de Silva, C.S. Weerasooriya, S.H.S. Kottegoda, and R.M.D. Rathnayake Admirals D.W.K. Sandagiri, S.M.A.J. Perera, R.C. Wijegunaratne, and U.V.M.P. Perera. 
In addition, many members of ARFRO were present. The Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) was represented by its President and Secretary. 
Notably, H.E. Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali, Ambassador of Nepal, along with Defence Attachés and representatives of the diplomatic corps, were in attendance. 
In the welcome address, Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala, President of ARFRO, invited the assembly to a moment of reflection on the late General Denis Perera’s monumental legacy. He recalled the General’s decisive role in the establishment of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, where his vision transformed the former Kandawala Estate into Sri Lanka’s premier defence university—an enduring institution that continues to produce generations of officers who serve with distinction. Further, the orator was also formally introduced to the gathering.

Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s address was marked by clarity, depth, and foresight. He traced the evolution of military leadership from the foundations of timeless values:  honour, duty, and sacrifice, to the emerging demands of modern conflict and the global security environment. His reflections underscored how advances in technology, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and unconventional threats demand adaptive leadership, while reaffirming that the principles of integrity and service remain unchanging cornerstones of the profession of arms. The oration deeply resonated with the audience, inviting thoughtful reflection on the enduring balance between tradition and change in military leadership. 
The evening’s programme was conducted with elegance by Air Vice Marshal Andrew Wijesuriya, who served as the Master of Ceremonies with professionalism and poise, ensuring a seamless flow of proceedings. 
The memorial concluded at sundown, providing a fitting tribute to a legendary military leader. The blend of solemn remembrance, distinguished participation, and thought-provoking discourse left an indelible impression on all present, affirming the enduring relevance of General Denis Perera’s vision, leadership, and service to the Nation.
The Writer, Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala (RWP RSP VSV USP MPhil MSc FIM ndc psc), is the President of the Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers, Senior Fellow, South Asia Foresight Network and Formerly Commander, Sri Lanka Air Force, and an Ambassador to Afghanistan.