Kandula by Hemantha Dayaratne

lKavq, kï jQ frðfïka;= ux., yia;shd 'fz;Ly" vDk; fhyhw;gil Nrizg;gphptd; kq;fs ahid

KANDULA THE ELEPHANT MASCOT

fï PdhdrEmuh .%ka:h ks¾udKh iy iïmdokh isÿ lrkq ,enQfõ" YS% ,xld mdn, yuqod frðfïka;=j hqo yuqod ckmoh mkdf.dv" fydaud.u YS% ,xldj úisks'

THIS STORY BOOK WAS NARRATED AND COMPILED BY SRI LANKA LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENT ARMY CANTONMENT PANAGODA, HOMAGAMA SRI LANKA Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka Light Infantry +0094-11-2432589 Commandant, Sri Lanka Light Infantry

+0094-11-2895300

frðfïka;= wêm;s" YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodj

011-2432589

Adjutant, Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment

+0094-11-2855204

fiakdúOdhl" YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodj úOdhl wêldß" YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodj

011-2895300 011-2855204

(Fax)

+0094-11-2855204

l¾;D jhsÜ yel,a iÕrdj ^úoahq;a ;emE,&

editor.whitehackle@gmail.com

Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment

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EMAIL :

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editor.whitehackle@gmail.com FIRST EDITION - DECEMBER 2011 PUBLISHED BY : SENEVI CREATION - RAJAGIRIYA

zzjhsÜ yel,a ZZ YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodfõ ks, iÕrdjhs' fï .%ka:fha wvx.= PdhdrEm$úia;r úlD;s fkdfldg msgm;a lsÍu" Ndú;d lsÍu ms<sn|j mdn, yuqod frðfïka;=fõ úreoaO;ajhla fkdue;s jqjo ta ms<sn|j mQ¾j ±kqï§ula yd uQ,dY% ms<sn|j ksis f,i i|yka lsÍu wfmaCId flf¾' m<uq uqo%Kh 2011 foieïn¾

The content on this story book may be copied. byline/photo/image/credits is requested.

ISBN 978-955-8089-03-3

fmrjok YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodfõ ks, ux., yia;shd jk zzlKavq,ZZ f.a 50 jk ixj;air Wf<, wm úiska iurkq ,nkafkA uy;a idvïnrfhkss'

zzmdn, yuqodfõ lKavq,ZZ hkq YS% ,xld§mh mri;=re Wjÿßka uqojd rg tlafiai;a lrñka ft;sydisl fufyjrla bgq l< ùr ÿgq.euqKq rc;=udf.a zzlKavq,ZZ kï jQ hqo yia;shd ms<sìUq lrk Ôjudk m%;srEmhhs'

zzlKavq,ZZ kï ta f.!rjkSh kdufhka we;=ka i;a fofkl= iïm%odhslj wo Èk olajd YS% ,xld mdn, yuqod frðfïka;=fõ ux., yia;shd jYfhka iïudk rdcldÍ lghq;= bgq lr we;' ksoyia W;aij ieureï Èkhka" rdclSh wuq;a;ka ms<s.ekSï" ì%;dkH t<sfin;a /ðk" fõ,aia l=ure" w;s W;=ï cqjdka mdjq¿ mdma jykafia jeks úfoaYsh rdcH kdhlhska" wd.ñl kdhlhska iy iïNdjkSh wuq;a;ka meñKs úg ms<s.ekSu jeks wdpdr idudpdr W;aij lghq;= j,g mdn, yuqod ux., yia;shd iyNd.s fõ' wm frðfïka;=fõ zzlKavq,ZZ iïm%odhg mkia jirla tf<ô wo Èko zz lKavq,ZZ kduh YS% ,dxlsl mqrjeishka jk wm ish¨ fokdf.a yoj;a ;=< iqúfYaIS ia:dkhl jecfò' i;ajhl= úiska lsishï wdh;khlg isÿ lrkq ,enqjd jQ fufyjr W;aijYS%fhka we.hSu f,dalfha ÿ¾,N wjia:djls' fï tjka jQ ÿ¾,N W;aij wjia:djla jk w;ru" YS% ,xld hqoaO yuqodjg ;u fiajh ksis f,i ,ndÿka i;ajfhl=g Wjo lD;.=K ms§fï uyÕ= Wodr .=Kh fmkakqï flfrk iqúfYaIs wjia:djls' fï PdhdrEmuh .%ka:h úiska yia;sfhl= ux., ixfla;h jYfhka ;nd .ekSfï YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodfõ ta merKs idvïnr iïm%odh ;jÿrg;a ;yjqre lrkq neõ uf.a úYajdihhs' tfiau ta idvïnr iïm%odhh ms<sn| u;lhka fï .%ka:h úiska wkd.; mrmqrgo iïfma%IKh lrkq we;' ta yer" YS% ,dxlsl wm ish¨ fokdgu wdvïnr úh yels jeo.;a hula ms<sn|j m%ldY lsÍug .;a wdl¾IKSh W;aidyhla f,i fï PdhdrEmuh .%ka:h ud olsñ'

wd¾tïã r;akdhl wd¾ví,sõmS wd¾tiamS hQtiamS tkaãhQ mStiaiS fïc¾ fckrd,a hqoaO yuqod udKav,sl m%Odks yd frðfïka;= wêm;s YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodj'

iii

FOREWARD BY MAJOR GENERAL RMD RATHNAYAKE RWP RSP USP ndu psc Chief Of Staff Sri Lanka army and Colonel of the Regiment Sri Lanka Light Infantry

It is with great pride that we mark the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of “Kandula”, the official mascot of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment in the Sri Lanka Army. “Kandula” is symbolic of the royal mascot of the legendary Sri Lanka king Dutugemunu who unified the country under one flag after fierce battles against invaders. His proud displays the strength and dignity of our regiment and the Sri Lanka Army. Seven Pachyderms have carried the honorary title of “Kandula” and have been part of great historical parades such as Independence Day celebrations as well events welcoming members of International Royalty, Heads of State, Religious Leaders and foreign dignitaries who include HM Queen Elizabeth, HRH Prince of Wales and His holiness Blessed John Paul II etc. Half a century later, “Kandula” continues to hold a special in the hearts of all the citizens of Sri Lanka. The loyal and dedicated services rendered by animals to its establishments are very rarely celebrated in the world. This is such is rare event and also an indication of how Sri Lanka Army cares and appreciates the service by its mascots. I am sure this beautiful pictorial story book compiled by the Sri Lanka Light Infantry will firmly establish the age-old proud regimental traditions and preserve those pleasant and sentimental memories for future generations to treasure. Above all, I view this as an inspirational effort to mark something to be proud of for all Sri Lankans.

RMD RATHNAYAKE RWP RSP USP ndu psu, MAJOR GENERAL

ix{dmkh YS% ,xld mdn, yuqod frðfïka;=j fuu PdhdrEmuh l:d fmd; yryd mdGl Tng mqrd mkia jirla wLkavj yd f.!rj iïm%hqla;j mj;ajdf.k wd idvïnr frðfïka;= iïm%odhhla ms<sn|j woyila bÈßm;a lrhs' yia;sfhl= l%udkql+,j we;s ±ä lsÍu hkq myiq ld¾hhla fkdfõ' tfia jqjo" YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodj tu l¾;jHfhao úYsIag iu;alula ld,dkqrEmj fmkakqï lr we;' ;reK úhg t<U mdn, yuqod idudðlhskag iuqfok wjia:dj jk f;la yia;shdg" ;uka /ln,d.;a YS% ,xld mdn, yuqod frðfïka;=j fjkqfjka iïudk rdcldßhl ksr; ùug isÿ fõ' th we;a; jYfhkau ixfõokh" i;=g yd rdcldÍhg lemùu leáfldg .;a iqúfYaIs jQ udkqI-i;a;aj iïnkaO;djhls' fï cdhdrEmuh .%ka:h W;aidy orkafka ta ms<sn|j wkdjrKh lsÍughs' hqoaO yuqod udKav,sl m%Odks yd mdn, yuqod frðfïka;= wêm;s fïc¾ fckrd,a wd¾tïã r;akdhl wd¾ví,sõmS wd¾tiamS hQtiamS tkaãhQ mStiaiS f.a u. fmkaùu iy Wmfoia wkqj YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodfõ zz jhsÜ yel,a iÕrd wxYhZZ úiska fï PdhdrEmuh l:d fmd; ks¾udKh lrkakg fhÿks YS% ,xld mdn, yuqod frðfïka;=j

PREFACE With this Pictorial book Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment would like to give the reader an understanding of a fifty year long tradition which is being continued with much pride in honour of a legendary elephant. Rearing an elephant for whatever reason is not an easy task. Nevertheless, the Sri Lanka Light infantry have proved their maturity and professionalism in this duty too over the years. As a pay back, the regimental elephant mascot has to perform a certain ceremonial military duty for some time until he bids farewell at its adolescence. This is indeed a unique human-animal relationship wrapped with humour, happiness and duty consciousness. The pictorial book attempts to unfold it. This book was narrated and compiled by â&#x20AC;&#x153;The White Hackleâ&#x20AC;? Official Journal of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry on directions and guidance of Major General RMD Ratnayake RWP RSP USP ndu psc, Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka Light Infantry. Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment

tfia jqjo" we;=kaf.a .dïNSr;ajh YS% ,xld hqo yuqodfõ wNsudkj;a frðfïka;=jla ;=< ;jÿrg;a fkdkeiS fYaIj we;'

Nevertheless, their pride remains… In a proud regiment in the Sri Lanka Army Guard of Honour accorded to Hon. Prime Minister of Bangladesh Mrs. Sheikh Hasina on her arrival at BIA International airport, katunayake to attend SAARC Summit on 28.07.1998 Sri Lanka Light Infantry archives

mqrd jir mkyla wo olajd" YS% ,xld mdn, yuqodfõ ux., ixfla;h jkqfha zzlKavq,ZZ kï jQ ;reK yia;sfhls'

For fifty years to date, "Kandula", a young elephant has been the mascot in the Sri Lanka Light Infantry

Kandula III with mahout S/10775 Pte Sirisena M Sri Lanka Light Infantry archives

zzlKavq, hkq yqremqreÿ kduhls' úl%udkaú; zzÿgq.euqKqZZ rcqf.a rdclSh yia;shd jQfha zzlKavq,ZZhs'

Kandula is a household name As is the majestic tusker of the legendary king Dutugemunu Heritage Splendour – Dutugemunu wins the war with Elara By Janani Amarasekara Picture courtesy: Sunday Observer 27.04.2008

zzÔjudk lKavq,ZZ hkq tla wef;l= ms<sn| l:dka;rhla fkdfõ" ienúkau th mrïmrdjls'

"Living Kandula" is not about one Elephant but a generation Ceremonial Parade accorded to Kandula VI on its farewell Venue: Parade Ground Regimental Centre, Sri Lanka Light Infantry, Panagoda

;reK iy oÕldr" tfy;a b;d fyd¢ka yuqod mqyqKqj ,enqjd jQo'''

Young and mischievous but tamed to the military

Kandula VII in ceremonial attire Picture Date: 12.12.2010 Courtesy: “The white Hackle” journal

mdn, yuqodj hkq hqo yuqodjhs zz lKavq,ZZ Tjqka iuĂ&#x2022; fjfihs

Infantry is the Army and "Kandula" lives with them

Kandula VII in a group photograph with Colonel of the Regiment Sri Lanka Light Infantry, senior and retired Sri Lanka Light Infantry officers Venue: Regimental Centre, Sri Lanka Light Infantry

ch.%yKh;a" ks¾NS;Ndjh;a" wNsudkh;a They believe... zzlKavq,ZZ úiska ,Õdlr fok neõ Tjqkaf.a úYajdihhs' Kandula brings them Victory, Valour and Pride Major General RMD Ratnayake RWP RSP USP ndu psc, Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Army and Colonel of the Regiment Sri Lanka Light Infantry while feeding “ Kandula VII ” at a ceremonial occasion Picture by “The White Hackle” journal

m%xYfha lS¾;su;a ixpdr f,aLlhl= iy bkaÈhdj iuÕ fj<| in|;d f.dvkeÕSfï mqfrda.dó jQo zzðka nemaáiaÜ gejksh¾ZZ o tjka jQ woyila m%ldY lr ;sfí' zzwe;=ka hqoaOfha§ úYd, n,mEula t,a, lrkq ,nk neõ fndfyda fokdf.a úYajdihhs' th ksielju i;Hhls' tfy;a" ta ieuúgu mßl,amkh lrk whqßkau fkdfõ' As Jean Baptiste Tavernier, a renowned French travel writer and pioneer of trade with India expressed Kandula VII Saluting HE the President and Commander in Chief of Sri Lankan Armed forces Mahinda Rajapaksa during Independence Day celebrations in 2011- Katharagama

"Many believe that elephants have a great effect in war; This is undoubtedly true, but not always in the way which is imagined" 11

zzÔjudk lKavq,ZZ hkq oYl .Kkdjl iïm%odhhls' [Ptkhd fz;Ly vd;gJ gy jrhg;j fhy rhk;gpujhakhFk LastP kandula in a ceremonial parade accorded to Hon. Governor General of Ceylon William Gopallawa Sri Lanka Light Infantry archives

“ Living Kandula” is a tradition decades old … 12

wNsudkj;a i誰m%odhhl ieure誰 igyka

Reminiscence of a proud Tradition

Kandula worshiping Lord Buddha at the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regimental temple lKavq,¼»» frðfïka;= uOHia:dk N+ñfha mkai, wNshi wd.ñl j;dj;a j, fhfoñka

Picture by: “ The White Hackle” Journal of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry

Hon Minister of Defence Mr Thilak Marapana during his visit to Regimental Centre SLLI on 11th January 2002 .re wdrCIl wud;H ;s,la udrmk ue;s;=ud 2002 ckjdß 11 jeks Èk mdn, yuqod frðfïka;= uOHia:dkfha ixpdrh 17

Pic by: Sri Lanka Light Infantry Archives

Kandula VI and VII together at a ceremonial parade yhjeks iy y;ajeks lKavq, tlaj isgsuska iyNd.S jQ i誰udk fm<md<sh

Pic by: Sri Lanka Light Infantry Archive

Ceremonial parade accorded to Kandula VII marking the 50th anniversary of the regimental mascot 2011' 04' 20 osk frcsfïka;= ux., jia;=j frðfïka;=jg ,eî jir 50la msÍu ksñ;af;ka ,ndÿqka iïudk fm<md<sfha§ wdpdr lrk lKavq, ¼»»'

Pic: Sri Lanka Light Infantry archives

Time to say Good Bye… During a Farewell Party… lKavq, ¼» iuq.ekSug fmr mej;s W;aijhl§ úY%dñl mdn, yuqod ks,Odßfhl=f.ka lKavq, ¼»» ix.%yhla''' 32

Pic by: Sri Lanka Light Infantry archives

Attending a ceremonial military parade at the regimental parade ground, Sri Lanka Light Infantry lKavq, ¼»» Y%S ,xld mdn, yuqod irU N+ñfha iïudk fm<md<shlg iyNd.S fjñka 36

“ The White Hackle” Journal of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry

Kandula with a group of Nepal Military Officers on 05th June 2003 2003'06'05 osk mej;s fkamd, ks,OdĂ?kaf.a mdGud,dj' 39

Pic by: Sri Lanka Light Infantry Archives

Kandula VI Marching during fare well parade lKavq, ¼» úY%du .ekSug m%:u iïudk fm<md<sfha .uka lrñka Pic by: Sri Lanka Light Infantry Archives

Brigadier KADA Karunasekara RSP feeding Kandula during his regimantal visit mdn, yuqod ì%f.avsh¾ flaataãta lreKdfialr wd¾tiams frcsfïka;= ixpdrfhaoS lKavq, we;=g ix.%yhla Picture by: Sri Lanka Light Infantry archives

Kandula meeting visiting Pakistan General Sammi Alanmikath at colombo on 16th July 1994 1994¡07¡16 osk mdlsia;dk rdcHfha fckrd,a iïñ w,xusld;a yg ,ndoqka Y%S,mdy iïudk fm<md<sh¡ Pic by: Sri Lanka Light Infantry Archives

Grown up Veera (Kandula 1V) at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage mskakj, w;s wkd:d.drfha isák fydÈka jevqkq ùrd we;= ^lKavq, »¼

Pic by: “The White Hackle” Journal of the SLLI

we;=ka nqoaêu;a i;=ka w;r by<skau jecfò" tfiau" úYauhckl f,i iqúfYaIs yeÕSï iuqodhlska o fyì i;a;aj fldÜGdYhls'

ta neõ zzlKavq,ZZ wmyg fndfyda jdrhla mila lr ÿka whqre PdhdrEmj, ±lafõ'

Elephants are among the most intelligent creatures who surprizingly have a great sense of humour See how “Kandula” proved it to us many times…

tla;rd Èkl we;a f.dõ rdcldÍfha ksr; mdn, fin<d zzlKavq,ZZg WoEik wdydr ,ndÿkafka fndfyda m%udo ùh' zzlKavq,ZZ l|jqr wêm;s mdn, yuqod fiakdúOdhlf.a ld¾hd,hg ÿjú;a ta neõ fufia meñKs,s l<y'

One morning, a light infantry soldier turned mahout did not serve the breakfast on time. “Kandula” dashed up to the Regimental Centre Commandant’s office to report the matter… Picture by: “ The White Hackle” Journal of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry

This Story book is a Sri Lanka Light Infantry creation and the acknowledgement should goes to , Major General RMD Ratnayake RWP RSP USP ndu psc Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Army and Colonel of the Regiment Sri Lanka Light Infantry Brigadier KGHSK Embowa RWP RSP USP Director, “SENEHASA” Education resource research and Information center (SERRIC) and Council member, Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment Colonel KJ Jayaweera RSP Centre Commandant Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment Lieutenant Colonel IGRG Bogodawatte Staff Officer I “SENEHASA” Education resource research and Information center (SERRIC) Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant Colonel GMN Perera RSP Staff Officer I Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment Major KA Pushpa Kumara RSP SLLI Adjutant Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment Major HHPK Dayaratne SLLI Officer in Charge/Sub Editor “The White Hackle” Journal of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment Mr. Samitha Seneviratne Proprietor Senevi Creations - Rajagiriya