CDS GRACES THE BOOK LAUNCHING CEREMONY

War veteran Major General Dammi Hewage (Retd) RSP launched his maiden book titled “Deperamunaka Satan” (Battles of Two Fronts) at the Auditorium of Mahaweli Center, Colombo today (20 September 2023).

The Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil graced the occasion as the chief guest and congratulated the materialized effort. General Shavendra Silva conveying his best wishes and encouragement to the author stated that war veterans' literature can educate the public about the realities of war, shedding light on the sacrifices made by soldiers and the impact of armed conflict on individuals and communities. CDS also said that these real war experiences can inspire others, both within and outside the military, to appreciate the values of courage, resilience, and patriotism.

The author, Major General Dammi Hewage (Retd) USP, initially served as a Special Forces officer and during the height of the war he commanded the 9th battalion of the prestigious Gajaba Regiment. Later, he commanded an Infantry Brigade during the times of final humanitarian operations. The author was the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 61 Infantry Division and he finally served as the Director General Infantry at Army Headquarters at the time of his farewell salute after a distinguished and illustrious military career spanning more than 35 years to Army and to the nation in August 2022.

Delivering the keynote speech highlighting the content, Professor NVGA Hemantha Kumara of Ruhuna University who was a classmate of the author stated that ‘war veterans possess a unique perspective that civilians simply cannot replicate. Their firsthand experiences on the battlefield, the camaraderie with fellow soldiers, and the sacrifices made in service to their nation are stories that deserve to be heard and read. That is why war veterans must pen down their memories. He further encouraged the war veterans present at the occasion to write, stating that ‘war veterans offer an authenticity and depth to their narratives that civilian writers often lack. War veterans provide readers with an unfiltered glimpse into the realities of war, from the adrenaline-pumping moments on the frontlines to the quieter, reflective moments in the barracks. It is an authenticity that can make readers better understand the complexities of armed conflict.

Similarly, Lieutenant Colonel Sujith Chaminda Edirisinghe and Dilith Jayaweera who is a leading entrepreneur and a lawyer by profession made special remarks at the occasion about the book and the author and said that war veterans can be considered living witnesses to history. Their accounts serve as invaluable records of past events, documenting the sacrifices, heroism, and challenges faced by those who served. These narratives contribute to a more comprehensive historical record, ensuring that future generations have access to a complete record of war.

Major General Dhammi Hewage (Retd) presented copies of the book to the Most Venerable Kosgoda Siriwimala Nayaka Thero, Chief Guest, Deputy Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army Major General CD Ranasingha RWP RSP, war veteran Lieutenant General Jagath Dias (Retd), Colonel Jayavi Fernando (Retd), batch mates of the author, retired and serving senior officers and all well-wishers attended.