Ananda Hamangoda

Major General Ananda Sri Sisira Kumara Hamangoda, RWP, RSP, USP (1 November 1950 – 4 July 1996) was a senior Sri Lanka Army officer, who was the former brigade commander of the 51–2 Brigade based in Jaffna, when he was killed by a LTTE female suicide bomber.

Early life and education Born on 1 November 1950, Kalutara north. His father was a police officer and he had three brothers and a sister. He was educated at Maliyadeva College, Kurunagala, where he excelled in academic and sports. He was judged as the best orator and best overall student in the year 1971, served as deputy head prefect, house captain and was a sergeant of the college cadet platoon. In 1969 he was the leader of school western music band. His talents in sports showed great excellence. He received school colours on many occasions for his success in sports. In 1971 he played for the school badminton team. He won the coveted prize for the "Best Cadet" and the gold medal for the "Best All Round Student" in 1971.

His sporting prowess in cricket, volleyball as well as in boxing contributed to the promotion of sports activities in the Army while helping the Army produce a number of sportsmen of national and international standards.

Death

Brigadier Hamangoda was killed on 4 July 1996, when a LTTE female suicide bomber detonated explosives strapped to her waist as the motorcade he was in stopped at Stanley Road in Jaffna town. The intended target, Housing and Construction Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, escaped with minor injuries. However 20 people, including Brigadier Hamangoda and Ranjith Godamuna, chairman, Lanka Cement were killed and approximately 60 others sustained injuries.

He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Major General.

Family Hamangoda was married to Indrani Hamangoda, a teacher at Royal College, Colombo and they had two daughters Buwani, Maheshni and one son Dulshan.

Awards He has been honoured with the following gallantry and service medals during his career & following his death.

Gallantry decorations & medals

Distinguished service decorations & medals

Campaign medals

Presidential commendation & medals President's Accession Medal