Cyril Ranatunga
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2021) |
High Commissioner to the United Kingdom |
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Early life
Born and raised in the village of Bakmeedeniya, Kegalle, in a family of six children, Ranatunga attended St. Sylvester's College, Kandy; where he excelled at many sports, captained hockey and athletic teams. He was the head prefect and won the Gold Medal for the best all round student in 1949.
Military career
He joined the
In 1962, he attended the
Insurrection
He was a
Higher command
He was nominated to attend the
Airport and Aviation
He was appointed an executive director of the Airport and Aviation Services, Sri Lanka and later appointed Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services. In this capacity he oversaw the expansion of the Katunayake International Airport.
Joint Operations Command
He was recalled from retirement in 5 September 1985 and promoted to the rank of
General Ranatunga was of the opinion that the
Later work
Ministry of Defence
Following retirement, General Ranatunga served as Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services. In February 1990, President
High Commissioner
In April 1993, he was appointed by President Premadasa as
Leaving public life, he lived the remainder of his days at his ancestral home in Mawanella having become a gentleman farmer. He died on 16 June 2021, and per his family's wishes a private funeral took place at Borella General Cemetery on the following day.[3]
Family
On his way to the
Decorations
General Ranatunga has received the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya, Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal, Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal and the Vadamarachchi Operation Medal. He has received the United Nations Medal for the United Nations Observation Group in Lebanon.[citation needed]
References
- ^ a b c "Those who helped us and those who didn't". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ Those who helped us and those who didn’t
- ^ "Former Secretary Defence & Army Chief of Staff, General Cyril Ranatunga (Retd) Passes Away". News First. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
- ^ A Soldier’s Life