Demise of major general WMP Fernando VSV USP ndc psc (Rted) a severe loss to GWESRA.

ARMY HEADQUARTERS
SPECIAL PART 1 ORDER
ISSUED BY THE COMMANDER OF THE ARMY
LIEUTENANT GENERAL J JYYASURIYA USP NDU PSC

MAJOR GENERAL WMP FERNANDO VSV USP ndc psc (Retd)

With an extreme feeling of deep sorrow, explicit sincerity and whole hearted emotional sympathy, the Commander of Army, Officers and all Other Ranks express their sadness on the unexpected demise of Major General WMP Fernando VSV USP ndc psc (Retd) on 21st August 20010.

Wedamesthrige Mahinda Patrick Fernando, popularly known as Patt was born on 02nd April 1944 at Gall. He was educated at Ananda College Colombo where along with his distinguished education he shined in many sports during his school career, especially in Hockey, Soccer and Cricket and was a radiant character in all aspects.

Patrick Fernando had thought to answer to the call of the country with the intention of serving the motherland and his nation. Having enlisted as an officer cadet on11 October 1963, he underwent initial military training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kindom. On successful completion of military training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 16 December 1965. Young robust Second Lieutenant Patrick Fernando selected the path of soldiering in the family of infantry for his career in the military occupational field and he was posted to the 1st Battalion The Gemunu Watch. His dedication

His dedication and determination to duties in all fields of military activity, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 16 June 1967, Captain on 16 June 1970 and Major on 01 June 1977. His outstanding performance was rewarded by promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 01 July 1984, to Colonel on 01 August 1988, To Brigadier on 01 March 1990 and to Major General on 01 December 1994.
The Basis for his being clear headed, logical and intelligent in task, assigned to this officer was gained from various courses he followed and visits/seminars attended as shown below.

Staff Officers’ Course                                     - INDIA
French Language Course                              -FRANCE
Young Offices’ Course 19                              - MHOW, INDIA
Command and Staff Course                        - PAKISTAN
PAMS seminar                                                  -PHILIPPINE
Official visit to UK
Overseas visit to PAKISTAN
National Defense College Course             - PAKISTAN

He imparted his knowledge to the success of his regiment and initially held the appointments of platoon commander and Company Commander at 1st Battalion the Gemunu Watch and Command 1st and 4th Battalions of Gemunu Watch. From the beginning of Major General Patrick Fernando’s military career, he had rendered his valuable service in the operational areas of Northern and Eastern provinces and bear responsibilities assigned to him with courage and much dedication by bringing a good deal of results at all times. He shouldered the brunt as a front line officer in most of the major operations launched by the Sri Lanka Army during his illustrious military career of 41 years.

He held the following appointments during his tenure of service in the Sri Lanka Army.

Platoon Commander – 1st Battalion The Gemunu Watch
Company Commander – 1st Battalion The Gemunu Watch
Instructor – Sri Lanka Military Academy
Staff Officer 2 – Sri Lanka Military Academy
General Staff Officer 2 (Coordinating) – Headquarters Jaffna
General Staff Officer 2 (Training and Staff Duties) – Army Headquarters
Military Assistant – Army Headquaters
Commanding Officer – 1st Battalion The Gemunu Watch
Commanding Officer – 4th Battalion The Gemunu Watch
Commanding Officer – Sri Lanka Military Academy
Coordinating Officer – Galle
Colonel Admin and Quartering – 1 Division
Colonel General Staff – 1 Devision
Commander – 11 Brigade
Coordinator in Chief – Sabaragamuwa Province
Commander (overlooking) – Security Forces (Trincomalee)
Commander – Security Forces (Manner)/5 Brigade Group
Regimental Commander – The Gemunu Watch
Commander – Security Forces Headquarters (wanni)
Coordinating Officer – Vavunia
Officiating Commander – Task Force 2
Director General General  Staff – Army Headquarters
Colonel of The Regiment – The Gemunu Watch
Deputy Overall Operation Commander – Joint Operation Headquarters
General Officer Commanding – 11 Division
Operation Commander Colombo
Commandant – Headquarters Sri Lanka Volunteer Force
Chief Of Staff – Army Headquarters
Inspector of Infantry
Director General General Staff – Joint Operation Headquarters

His sound military knowledge, dedication and commitment to work, coupled with the gentlemanly qualities which were charismatic made this infantry officer stand in good stead for the performance of his duties in the appointments he held, bringing credit ti his Regiment, the Gemunu Watch in particular and to the Sri Lanka Army in general.

The Knowledge he gained from the courses the followed and the experience he acquired over the years enabled him to make a significant contribution to the Sri Lanka Army particularly in its operational commitments.
Major General Patrick Fernando is an officer blessed with gentlemanly qualities, possessed with professional competency, being a capable and effective military leader. He was awarded the following medals of Honor in recognition of his contribution made to the Sri Lanka Army

Vishishta Seva Vibhushana
Uththama Seva Padakkama
Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Service Medal – 1972
Sri Lanka Army 25th Anniversary Medal – 1974
Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal (with clasp) – 1979
President’s Inauguration Medal – 1978
Poorna Bhoomi Padakkama
Norh and East Operation Medal
Riviresa Campaign Medal
50th Independence Anniversary Medal
Sri Lanka Army 5th Anniversary Medal

From the beginning of his military career over the firmed and new paths, he confidently led his subordinates for a goal of achievement. The demise of Major General Patrick Fernando has drawn a curtain of gloom. He leaves behind his beloved wife Indira, loving daughters Roshini, Dayani and Maya, his close family members, his friends, his brother officers, soldiers and the nation, whom he served with dedication and patriotism. To them we extend a simple condolence with its simplicity clothed in kindness honesty, and endless thought and appreciation of what a gentleman officer, a brother and friend. His passing away is definitely a severe loss to his family, the service he represented and the country he served. At this moment of sadness the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and all ranks join the family members of the late Major General Patrick Fernando in their hour of grief.

Though departed, his name will forever remain close to our hearts as a great patriot of Mother Lanka.

MAY YOU ATTAIN THE SUPREME BLISS OF NIRVANA

E P DE Z ABEYSEKERA USP
Major General
Adjutant General