INSS commemorates late Admiral Clancy Fernando
February 20, 2021- ‘Sea Power of an Island Nation and Admiral Clancy Fernando’
Organizing the 4th ‘Annual Memorial Lecture’, the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), commemorated the late Admiral Clancy Fernando under the theme of ‘Sea Power of an Island Nation and Admiral Clancy Fernando’ yesterday (Feb 19).
Secretary, Ministry of Defence and State Ministry of National Security and Disaster Management Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) graced the ‘Annual Memorial Lecture’ as the Chief Guest and the former Navy Commander Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe (Retd) conducted the commemorative oration during the session.
Delivering the opening remarks the Defence Secretary said, as citizens of this proud island nation, we all must wholeheartedly endure and apprise the fact that the defeat of the LTTE was the result of dedication, commitment and ultimate sacrifice of fallen and living war heroes.
The Defence Secretary recalled his noble service rendered to the nation mentioning the Admiral Clancy Fernando’s legacy, his commitment in Operation ‘Balavegaya’ together with Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa and the landing of troops in Vettilakeni during the seaborne operation undertaken by the Navy,
The country had to bear the demise of Admiral Clancy Fernando in 1992, as he was assassinated by the LTTE, and he is known to be the most senior officer in the Sri Lankan Military to be killed in action in the line of duty, Gen. Gunaratne said.
Mentioning the great patriotism displayed by our war heroes from the history to date which led the citizens of Sri Lanka in yearning peace and harmony, he said “remembering and honouring the selfless acts of fallen war heroes such as Admiral Clancy Fernando and contributions that he has made for the betterment of the future generations of the country, is a noble gesture that we can offer to such martyrs of the country”.
The orator highlighted the leadership qualities of the late Admiral Clancy Fernando recalling the days he served with him.
The series of orations organized by INSS started in 2017 and commemorated Lt. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa initially, Maj. Gen. Vijaya Wimalaratne afterwards (2018) and Col. AF Laphir in 2019.
The yesterday’s memorial lecture was an opportunity for the new generation to learn and study about the great military strategists/war heroes that had ever existed in the country.
At the outset, the observance of a moment of silence in memory of fallen war heroes was in place and day’s proceedings commenced. Afterwards, the Foreign Ministry Secretary and the Director General of INSS Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage (Retd) conducted the welcome address.
Mrs Monica Fernando garlanded the portrait of late Admiral Clancy Fernando during the session.
The Chief Guest Gen. Gunaratne presented a memento to the orator of the memorial lecture, Admiral Samarasinghe to symbolize the event.
In concluding the proceedings, Nishan Fernando, the son of late Admiral Clancy Fernando delivered the vote of thanks.
Family members of late Admiral Clancy Fernando, Public Security Minister Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekara (Retd), Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Former Navy Commanders, Chancellor of the Gen. Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Additional Secretary (National Security), Commandants of National Defence College and Defence Services Command and Staff College, Commandant Special Task Force, Defence Advisors and Defence Attachés of Friendly Foreign Nations, Senior Military Officers, distinguished guests and Staff Members of INSS were also present at the event.
