DR:Strict disciplinarian who did not tolerate injustice and foul play! He was a mild-mannered soft-spoken man and no harsh word ever escaped his lips!

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Major General (Retired) D. Ratnasabapathy

It is indeed sad news that D. Ratnasabapathy who served the Sri Lanka Army as a Major General, passed away prematurely. Known fondly as Saba among his colleagues, he served the Sri Lanka Army for a considerable period and won many accolades for his commendable performance. Having fulfilled his duties creditably, he retired a few years ago. But soon he was handpicked for civil administration, in recognition of his distinguished service and his close rapport with civil society.

He served in different parts of the country. When he was posted to a new station, the first thing he did was to visit the places of worship in that area, mainly a Buddhist temple in the near locality to pay his obeisance and get the blessings. Thus he built up a cordial relationship with Maha Sangha, clergy and the people of the area.

He moved with high-ranking service personnel, members of the elite, intelligent and educated class and officers of lower ranks and rural villagers with no difference to any but with deference to all. Whatever station he served, he was held in high esteem by all his associates and friends.

Among his relatives, he was affectionately addressed as Ratna, he was really a Ratna, a gem, a precious gem of rare quality. A simple man with simple habits he lived an unostentatious life replete with acts of benevolence and compassion. Despite his busy programs as a senior Army officer, he maintained a close rapport with his relations particularly with those who are less privileged and helped them generously.

Although he held prestigious posts in the Army and was highly connected, he was very humble and did not lose the common touch. But he was a strict disciplinarian who did not tolerate injustice and foul play. He was a mild-mannered soft-spoken man and no harsh word ever escaped his lips.

He served in the battlefield at the height of terrorist activities. When the barbaric terrorists committed atrocious crimes assassinating hundreds of innocent human beings in some areas he served, he was lucky enough to escape unhurt. But the ruthless deadly disease that caught him inescapably snatched him mercilessly leaving all those near and dear to him in utter grief and sorrow.

- K. Samathapala

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