Ukuwela Divaina Corr. S. Bandara
The funeral of First Wijayaba Regiment soldier K. G. Dharmadasa (24) who was killed by woman Tigers near the Kilali front defence line was held on Wednesday (19) evening at the General Cemetery of Kanangamuwa, Matale.

The funeral was attended by a large crowd including ex-Minister and MP Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Matale Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Nihal Wijenayake, Opposition Leader Nimal Jayawardena, Matale Municipal Council Opposition Leader Rohana Dissanayake and his relatives and friends.

The Kanangamuwa temple resident thera Ven. Sobhitha conducting an "Anusasana" said although there were people to talk on behalf of everyone in the north there was no one to talk on behalf of them. The innocent youth was killed as he went to protect the country and the nation but not due to climbing trees to pluck produce.

Parliamentarian Janaka Bandara Tennakoon who expressed views on behalf of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said he was deeply sorry for not giving the soldier any donations or funeral allowances that have to be given on the death of a soldier and denial of army respect. He further said one lakh of rupees would be given from the president’s fund to his mother to improve her disrepaired house.

Kanangamuwa Sahanma Seva Funeral Society Chairman M. A. Muthubanda also spoke.