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Lieutenant Colonel Lalith Jayasinghe: A Hero of Sri Lanka’s Special Forces



Lieutenant Colonel J.A.L. Lalith Jayasinghe, PWV, WWV, RWP, RSP, remains one of the most distinguished officers in the history of the Sri Lanka Army. Born on April 29, 1976, in Ukwatta, Avissawella, he grew up in a humble environment and was educated at Avissawella President’s College and Lumbini College Colombo, where he was an enthusiastic rugby player. His early life laid the foundation for a determined and courageous military career.


Jayasinghe enlisted in the Sri Lanka Army on January 22, 1997, as a cadet officer and received his initial training at the Bangladesh Military Academy. Upon commissioning, he joined the 6th Regiment of the Gemunu Watch before being selected for the elite Special Forces training. After completing the Special Forces Training Course-24, he was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Regiment, specializing in long-range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP) operations.


Throughout his military career, Jayasinghe demonstrated exceptional leadership and bravery. He rose rapidly through the ranks, becoming a captain and then a major within ten years, commanding platoons, companies, and eventually leading Special Forces units in critical operations. His expertise was recognized through advanced training courses in India, China, the United States and Bangladesh, as well as specialized training within Sri Lanka.


He was instrumental in the elimination of several high-profile LTTE leaders, including Vaithilingam Sornalingam (Shankar), the founder of the naval wing and the air wing of the terrorist organization, killed in September 2001; the LTTE intelligence leader Charles, killed in January 2008; and naval wing Deputy Leader Kangai Amaran in June 2001. 


Shankar was a pivotal figure in the terror organization, founding both the Sea Tigers naval division and the Air Tigers air wing. Educated in aeronautical engineering and having worked abroad, he was instrumental in developing the LTTE’s sophisticated maritime and aerial capabilities, including pioneering underwater attack units and naval and air suicide capabilities. Throughout LTTE's existence, it was the only terrorist organization with naval and air capabilities. His elimination by Jayasinghe’s Special Forces team, through a covert Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) operation, dealt a severe blow to the LTTE’s operational capacity. Similarly, the removal of the LTTE spy chief Charles and the sea tiger deputy leader Kangai Amaran further disrupted the terror group’s leadership and operational effectiveness. These targeted operations required exceptional planning, intelligence, and courage, underscoring Jayasinghe’s critical role in weakening the LTTE’s terror infrastructure.


On November 26, 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Jayasinghe led an eight-man Special Forces team on a daring deep penetration mission approximately 30 kilometers behind enemy lines in the LTTE-held Oddusuddan area. After successfully neutralizing the target, his team was ambushed by LTTE cadres. Despite being wounded in the chest and leg during the firefight, Jayasinghe continued to lead his men, who managed to repel the attackers. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries in a subsequent confrontation, while another soldier was also wounded. The remaining team members bravely fought off the enemy and returned with Jayasinghe’s body.


For his extraordinary valor and sacrifice, Jayasinghe was posthumously awarded the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya (PWV), Sri Lanka’s highest military decoration for combat bravery. During his lifetime, he had already been twice awarded the Weera Wickreme Vibushana, the highest bravery medal for living officers, along with several other commendations recognizing his dedication and courage.


Lieutenant Colonel Lalith Jayasinghe’s legacy is one of unwavering patriotism, exceptional leadership, and selfless service to his country. His contributions were critical in undermining the LTTE’s terrorist infrastructure, which had inflicted immense suffering on Sri Lanka for decades. The LTTE’s campaign of terror, marked by brutal attacks and attempts to destabilize the nation, was met with the steadfast resolve of soldiers like Jayasinghe, who paid the ultimate price to restore peace and security.

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