By Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne
(Retired from Sri Lanka Navy)
Former Chief of Defence Staff
I was the Security Officer of the Naval Base, Trincomalee in 1987 September. My phone rang. It was Chief of Staff from the Naval Headquarters, Colombo.
“Ravi, Indian Navy wants help from one of our officers who has in-depth knowledge on Jaffna and Gurunagar lagoon area to assist their Commandos operating in that area. I think you are the best. Would you like to go?”
“Yes Sir !” I was delighted. I wanted get out of this monotonous job of Security Officer of the Naval Base, Trincomalee. Chief of Staff further said, “OK, be ready to travel to KKS tonight. I will tell Comeast (Commander Eastern Naval Area) of your new mission and will arrange a gunboat for you to travel to KKS. Take all your fancy weapons and other stuff. Travel light.” Chief of Staff knew of my weapons, US made Colt M-16 Carbine, repeater shot gun and 40mm grenade launcher.