Final Salute to a Honorable, Respectable, Courageous Soldier, Maj. Gen. Samantha Sooriyabandara.

This is brief note from the daughters of General Sarath Fonseka, Apsara and Aparna.


My dear friends,

Today I want to take a minute time to pay respects to a astounding Officer, father and a friend. Maj. Gen. Samantha Sooriyabandara, one of few good soldiers that ever served the SL Army passed away yesterday.


I remember the first time I met Maj. Gen. Sooriyabandara. It was during the time of my father`s suicide attack. He was put in to
take care of security at the General hospital. He was able to give the comfort of safety to us by performing his job to the highest
level. My father was able to heal with peace of mind knowing this man was ensuring his security.

Our father used to always define him as an officer and a gentleman with good ethics and honesty. He was one of those officers
who were recognized for his actions and accomplishments rather than for what rank he held. He was put in charge of major war
zone areas because of his outstanding capabilites. He was one of those war heroes who did his job with utmost dedication to
help this country and its people achieve peace and freedom. He did his part for his country with honesty and pride, and with his
head held up high.

I got to know Uncle Samantha on personal level once this vengeful government sent him on compulsory leave for not
contributing to their corrupt ways. He did not let the government get the best of him. I remember him saying once that it was
better to retire than to work for people who had no values in life. He advised us as if we were his own children, and being a
father to us when our father was in prison. Advising us on how to cope with tough situations that came our way and pushing
us on to do what needed to be done to get our father out of prison. He treated us all as his own children and encouraged us to
never give up in our struggle. He took time to listen to us even with all that he and his whole family was going through because
of this regime`s actions. He defined himself to be a great human being with unparalleled values and virtues.

Maj. Gen. Sooriyabanadara- a man with great integrity, strength and heart- you will be missed tremendously. Not only did
the country lose a great hero, and your family a great husband and father- we lost a great friend. Uncle Samantha, Maj. Gen.
Sooriyabandara, you will be remembered dearly. The encouragement you gave and the undying faith you had for a better day
will never be forgotten. You will always remain in our hearts as one of the finest officers in the Sri Lankan army, an astounding
war hero and an amazing human being.

May you attain supreme bliss of Nibbana and may god take care of you!

On behalf of our parents Gen. Fonseka and Anoma Fonseka,

Apsara F and Aparna F.