The presence of mind and the timely course of action, taken by Corporal M.D Sunil of 19 Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (19 SLSR) serving the 551 Brigade of the Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J), spared the lives of both Police Constable Mr. Sri Kanthan Krishnavel (32) of Mattakkuliya Police Station and the fish monger, Mr Sudarshan (31) who were sinking in the deep sea off Point Pedro beach on Monday (16).
Both of them, resident in Thunnalai, Jaffna were bathing about 300m away from the beach front when the soldier, Corporal Sunil on duty near the beach suddenly spotted those two men, being caught in a strong current and were desperately calling for SOS assistance.
Responding to the emergency, the valiant soldier without giving a second thought about the risks, jumped on to a parked boat and rowed it hurriedly towards the victims in distress and rescued them from drowning with enormous difficulty before they were brought ashore with the help of civilians who flocked to the scene.
On being informed of his bravery and empathy for human lives, Major General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna on Thursday (19) commended his heroic act and awarded him laurels during a brief meeting at the SFHQ premises. He also appreciated the brave soldier’s concern for humanity and awarded him a special certificate of appreciation and valour, amid a gathering of officers and other ranks.
Colonel Thilak Mayadunne, Colonel Coord, SFHQ - J, Major Sanath Abeythilaka, Commanding Officer, 19 SLSR also participated in the event.