The mortal remains of Commander Sameera Samarakoon, who passed away untimely while undergoing medical treatment in India, were brought to Sri Lanka on 3 November by an Indian Air Force aircraft.
Commander Samarakoon was serving as the Senior Electrical and Electronic Engineer aboard SLNS Gajabahu during its deployment for the ‘BIMSTEC – 2026’ Maritime Security Exercise. After a brief illness, he was admitted to a hospital in Sri Vijayapuram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he passed away on 2 November.
Before the remains were returned, final respects were paid to the late officer by the Commanding Officer SLNS Gajabahu, Captain Asoka Weerasekara, alongside the ship’s crew and personnel from the Indian Navy.
Having joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 14 December 2006 as an Officer Cadet of the 45th intake, Commander Samarakoon was commissioned as an Acting Sub-Lieutenant on 14 December 2008 upon completion of his basic training. Throughout his naval career, the officer held various appointments across naval ships and establishments. Over the course of his service, the officer rose steadily through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Commander on 1 April 2024.
The Sri Lanka Navy expresses its sincere the gratitude to the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and diplomatic staff, the Indian Navy and Air Force as well as the medical team at Sri Vijayapuram for their assistance and swift coordination in returning the officer's mortal remains.
The Navy also extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Commander Samarakoon during this time of grief. The final rites will be conducted with full naval honours.
Navy Headquarters, Defence Headquarters Complex, PO Box 593, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
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