Perumbadage Shantha Saliya Ramya Udayadeera

Colonel Perumbadage Shantha Saliya Ramya Udayadeera (7 September 1961 - 6 April 2008) was Sri Lankan military officer and athlete. He was the commander of the 11th Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR), and then the Ambepussa SLSR Regimental Headquarters.
Early years
Perumbadage Shantha Saliya Ramya Udayadeera, was born on 7 September 1961 in Polgahawela, Kurunegala district. He received his primary and secondary education at St Anne's College, Kurunegala and St Joseph's College, Colombo 10 respectively.
National Cadet Corps and military career
On completion of his education, he joined the government service as an assistant teacher of English at Trinity College, Kandy and was later trained at the reputed English Teachers' College, Peradeniya. During his tenure at Trinity College, P.S.S.R. Udayadeera joined the Sri Lanka Cadet Corps (SLCC) as a commissioned officer and led young Trinitians infusing highest tenets of discipline, enabling them to become future leaders in society. His patriotic sentiments coupled with cadetship experience in school inspired him to join the Sri Lanka Army, fighting to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The young P.S.S.R. Udayadeera joined the Infantry Regiment of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) on 1st Nov 1987 whilst simultaneously serving the Department of Education.
As an infantry officer he served in the operational areas for a long time holding many Grade I Staff appointments. He commanded the 11th Battalion SLSR before being posted to the Ambepussa SLSR Regimental Headquarters.<ref name=defence/>
Athletic career
Lt Colonel P.S.S.R Udayadeera was a professional and talented Sports Officer who had followed many courses in the field such as National Technical Officer (Grade 1) Athletic Association (AA) of Sri Lanka, International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) Coaches Level I - 1996, IAAF Technical Officials - Level I - 2005, National Olympic Committee (NOC) Management Course - 1997, Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) Technical Official Exam - 1981 and a few other courses. He also attended a number of National and International meets as a Starter. SAF Games-1991 Sri Lanka, SAF Games - 1995 - India, Grand Prix - 2002 - Sri Lanka, Grand Prix - 2003 - Sri Lanka, Asian Championships - 2002 - Sri Lanka, SAF Games - 2006 - Sri Lanka and all National Level meets were among many he contributed after 1980 until his sudden demise.
Lt Colonel P.S.S.R Udayadeera also served as the Manager - Sri Lanka Team - Singapore Marathon 2003, Vice President -Technical Officials Association - AA of Sri Lanka, Vice President Kurunegala District AA, Sports Instructor (Junior Rugger & Athletic Coach), President - Kandy & Jaffna District AA, Official Recorder - AA of Sri Lanka - (1996-1997) and Executive Committee Member of AA of Sri Lanka between 1996-2003.<ref name=defence/>
Death
Lt Colonel P.S.S.R. Udayadeera was among those who lost their lives along with Hon. Minister of Highways and Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle on Sunday April 6, 2008, morning at Weliweriya before the start of a Marathon race at a New Year Sports Festival organized by an athletic club. Lt Colonel P.S.S.R. Udayadeera was posthumously promoted by the Army to the rank of Colonel in appreciation of his service to the nation.

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