Lt. Col. Kenneth Abeywickrama

The late Lt. Col. Kenneth Abeywickrama (CO 1977 to 1982) was with the Regiment from 1960 through 1982. He had great affection and love for the Regiment, its traditions, its history, and concern for his comrades in arms. While in service, he did his utmost to preserve the Regiment’s heritage and legacy, and improve its standards. In 1968, as a young captain, he witnessed the 50 Year Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Regiment. During his lifetime, he had the privilege of interacting with some of the earliest COs like Lt. Col. Nanayakkara (Commissioned 1941 and CO 1959 to 1963), and with some of the most recent COs, Lt. Col. Mahawithana (CO 2011 to 2018).  In 2018, his former co-workers of the Timber Corporation honoured his service on the occasion of that entity’s 50th Anniversary. During his tenure at the Timber Corporation he was popularly known as “Bath Dun Piya” (father who gave free lunch) in recognition of the meals allowance and numerous other allowances given by him as chairman of that entity.

 

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Left Photo:
1968 (5oth Anniversary Celebrations Diyatalawa): Lt. Col. Kenneth Abeywickrama (CO 1977-82) and Lt. Col A. Nanayakkara, (CO 1959-63). Right Photo (from Left to Right): #1: Major NACJP Wickremasinghe; #2 Lt. Col. Mahawithana (CO 2011-17), #6 Lt. Col. MPA Jayawardena (CO 1990-96)

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Lt. Col. Abeywickrama’s Gifts to the Regiment: Left CO’s Brass Table Bell, which was used by his father a former Manager of the Govt Factory, PWD, Kolonnawa; Right: Shield for Best All Round Platoon