10th General Deshamanya Denis Perera Oration: A glowing tribute to an exceptional General

Ranjini Perera, wife of late General Deshamanya Dennis Perera pays a floral tribute while Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala (Retd) President of ARFRO looks on

Panel at the 10th General Deshamanya Denis Perera Oration

Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, the 19th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, addressing the gathering 

The ‘Role of Air Forces for collective security in an ocean of geopolitical uncertainty’

General Deshamanya Denis Perera

Service dignitaries and invitees at the event

The 10th General Deshamanya Denis Perera Oration was conducted in the befitting gander and tradition at the auditorium of the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Ratmalana on September 1, 2024.
The event paid a glowing tribute to General Deshamanya Denis Perera, an exceptional general whose legacy continues to shape the Sri Lankan military. General Denis Perera was not only an outstanding commander of the Army but also a visionary, diplomat and corporate leader who left an indelible signature on the development of the Sri Lanka, Army in particular and the armed forces in general. During his tenure as the Commander of the Army, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy (KDA) after receiving the Kandawala Estate from Sir John Kotelawala to establish a defence university. 

Remarkable institution 
This remarkable institution, now a renowned Defence University, owes its existence to General Denis Perera’s efforts in transforming it into a premier centre for military education. The Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers (ARFRO) was established in 1996 by the late General Denis Perera with a vision to harness the vast experience of senior officers from all three services for the benefit of future generations. These officers, having held key positions throughout their military careers, possess invaluable knowledge and expertise that continue to contribute to the growth and development of future military leaders. In pursuit of this mission, ARFRO conducts seminars, workshops and study tours along with many social activities for the benefit of the members as well as serving officers. 
Beyond these educational and social efforts, ARFRO is deeply committed to supporting ex-servicemen, women, and their dependents to live “free from want through the activities of the Ranaviru Family Counselling and Support Service (RFCSS). Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, the 19th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, addressed the gathering with an extremely thought-provoking topic, titled “Role of Air Forces for collective security in an ocean of geopolitical uncertainty.” 
Air Marshal Rajapaksa highlighted and explained the evolving geopolitical uncertainty in multiple aspects. Further in his speech, Air Marshal Rajapaksa provided an insightful analysis of the evolving nature of geopolitical uncertainties. He addressed these complexities from multiple perspectives, emphasising the critical role the air forces play in maintaining collective security in an increasingly unpredictable world. The event was graced by Ranjani Perera, wife of late General Deshamanya Denis Perera. Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and Vice Chancellor of KDU, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara.

Service dignitaries
 In addition, other service dignitaries who attended included past commanders of the three services, past presidents of ARFRO, the family and friends of the late General, along with the members of ARFRO. 
The Organisation of Professional Association of Sri Lanka (OPA) was represented by its President-Elect and the General Secretary. The Defence Attaches represented the diplomatic corp. Among the distinguished dignitaries were the former Service Chiefs namely, General Gerry H Silva, General Shantha Kottegoda Chancellor of KDU, General Daya Ratnayake, Admiral Daya Sandagiri, Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, and Admiral Jayantha Perera. Past Presidents of ARFRO, including General Srilal Weerasooriya, Major General Lohan Gunawardena, and Rear Admiral Sarath Rathnakeerthi, along with the two Vice Presidents, Major General Susil Chandrapala and Rear Admiral Saman Molligoda, as well as the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Kishan Yahampath, and ARFRO Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Janak Wanigatunge, led the procession to the stage. They were followed by the incumbent President, Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala, who conducted the orator Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa in procession to the august gathering.
 May future generations remember the late General Deshamanya Denis Perera for his vision, knowledge, professionalism, generosity, excellence in soldiering, and, most importantly, his humility in his interactions with others.