Rear Admiral Noyel Kalubowila, RWP and three bars, RSP and Bar, VSV, USP, psn (retired)-by By Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne
WV, RWP and Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, NI (M) (Pakistan), ndc, psn, Bsc
(Hons) (War Studies) (Karachi) MPhil (Madras)
Former Navy Commander and Former Chief of Defense Staff
Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd
Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation
Former High Commissioner to Pakistan
It was in September 1990, (almost 36 years ago), the Old Dutch Fort in Jaffna, the seat of government in Jaffna and Army camp was attacked by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists. The troops at Fort fought valiantly for days.
how Jaffna Fort looks today
The only access to Fort was by waterway between Mandativu island and Jaffna Fort. Moving troops and reinforcements to besieged Fort by crossing this waterway was a suicidal attempt.
Young Sub Lieutenants volunteered to carry out this task. They were Sub Lieutenants Noyel, USR Perera, H R P Gunawardena, ASL Gamage, Sudarshana, Midshipman Wettamuny and Petty Officer R S Perera. The operation was coordinated by Lieutenant Commander (then) Rohan Amarasinghe.
One of these brave Sub Lieutenants was Noyel Kalubowila! His bravery and valour were well recorded in Sri Lanka Navy History. If you read any book or document on Operation Trivida Balaya (Tri- Forces Power) joint military operation by Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, led by legendary military leader Major General ( then) Denzil Kobbekaduwa; assisted by Lt Colonel Gotabaya Rajapaksa ( First Battalion Gajaba Regiment) , Lt Colonel Sarath Fonseka ( First Battalion Sinha Regiment) and other prominent officers, Sub Lieutenant Noyel Kalubowila’s name was mentioned as a Naval officer who led the “ Suicide Express “ boats across Jaffna lagoon from Mandativu to Jaffna Fort. Even though his own batch mate, Sub Lieutenant USR Ruwan) Perera and senior diving officer of the operation Lieutenant Commander Chanaka Rupasinghe was severely injured and airlifted to Colombo, Sub Lieutenant Sudarshana replaced Ruwan. Noyel, Sudarshana, HRP, ASL, Wettamuny and RS ensured the continuity of the operation of evacuation of military and civilian personnel from besieged Jaffna Fort.
Rear Admiral Noyel Kalubowila
Image Source:Oldnews.navy
During his brilliant career spanning more than 34 years, he commanded the Fast Attack Craft, fast Gunboats, and Offshore Patrol vessels. He was selected as Commanding Officer 4th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla (FAF 4), the most challenging task and vanguard Squadron of Sri Lanka Navy.
Noyel was selected to only diplomatic appointment given to SLN in the country, – the Defence Advisor of Sri Lanka High Commission, New Delhi, India in 2011. He served at our mission in New Delhi for two years with dedication and professionalism.
Noyel carried out one of the most challenging missions in 2006 to 2008, being the Commanding Officer of Jetliner Passenger ferry – which carried more than 3000 military personnel on Trincomalee- KKS- Trincomalee sea route until land route to Jaffna was secured. His ship was the prime target of LTTE SEA TIGERS, once attacked with enemy’s 122 mm artillery guns when ship was entering Trincomalee harbour with full load of military personnel on 1st August 2006. Jetliner under his command carried 3000 military personnel every week on Trincomalee- KKS- Trincomalee route. He ensured safe passage to all these personnel.
On completion of Humanitarian Operations, Noel rose to Rank of Rear Admiral and became Sri Lanka Navy Volunteer Force commander.
His second son followed father’s footsteps and joined SLN as a cadet and now following his training at prestigious US Navy Academy, Annapolis, USA.
Jetliner passenger ferry operated by SLN for military personnel
Dear Noyel! You did your duty to Navy and to the Country! You kept your watch with dedication, integrity, honesty and maintained highest traditions of Naval professionalism.
Sleep well buddy!
Admiral Ravi Wijegunaratne (retired)
