Ranjith de Silva | |
|---|---|
| Born | Colombo |
| Allegiance | Sri Lanka |
| Service | Sri Lanka Army |
| Years of service | 1972–2006 (34 years) |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | Sri Lanka Light Infantry |
| Battles / wars | Sri Lankan Civil War |
| Awards | Rana Wickrama Padakkama, Rana Sura Padakkama, Uttama Seva Padakkama |
| Other work | District Secretary,Trincomalee District |
Major GeneralT.T. Ranjith de Silva,RWP,RSP,USP,psc was a Sri Lankan army general. He served as Security Forces Commander – Eastern Province andDistrict Secretary,Trincomalee District. He is known for leading the defence of the Sri Lanka Army garrison inPooneryn during theBattle of Pooneryn.[1]
Silva received his education atDharmapala Vidyalaya and joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1972 as a cadet officer. Having completed his officer training at theSri Lanka Military Academy, he was commissioned into theSri Lanka Light Infantry as aSecond Lieutenant in the Regular Force. In January 1991, he was appointed commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Light Infantry and that year attended the advanced infantry officers course at theUnited States Army Infantry School atFort Benning.[2] The 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Light Infantry was stationed atPooneryn when the Pooneryn garrison was attacked by theLTTE on 11 November 1993. With the defense perimeter breached, and the battalion headquarters of the 3rd Battalion, Gajaba Regiment over run and the two T-54A main battle tanks in the garrison captured; Major Ranjith de Silva lead the remaining troops in a desperate defense around the battalion headquarters of the 1st Sri Lanka Light Infantry until reinforcements arrived three days later. He received afield promotion for preventing the complete fall of the garrison toColonel. He served as the Centre Commandant of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry.[3][4]