Honoring Heroes: A Remembrance Lesson for Sri Lanka – By Ravindra C Wijegunaratne

Rexy and Chapela

Are you a dog-lover? If not, you have missed what is love in this World. This story is of two dogs, one is Rexy, a beautiful German Shepherd female dog and Chapela a “ Pariah dog”, (Pye-dog), a male, who’s parents were not known to us.

Eighteen years ago, my son was very keen on owning a puppy. I discouraged his request as I knew, looking after the dog will be my responsibility sooner or later. My wife Yamuna was non-committed whenever “Dog talk” comes up in dinner table.

Someone has advised Yamuna as our son is a single child at home, it is good to have a pet for him. So, she has purchased this little puppy. The owners had about six puppies on sale and asked Yamuna to select one. She has said she will select who ever come first towards her. One puppy left her mother and came towards Yamuna wagging her tiny tail. So, she was selected and named Rexy. I always wonder how lucky were other

four brothers/ sisters of Rexi. I was serving in Trincomalee as the Commandant of Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) and Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet (FOCNF) at that time. Our Naval Base Trincomalee was under constant threat from LTTE long range weapons and suicide boat attacks from terrorists at that time (2006). The attacks came from the Southern side of Trincomalee harbour from Sampoor and Sudaikudah. We were alway alert and a bright idea was floated by then Commander Fast Attack Craft Squadron, Captain (then) Nandana Jayaratne to fix a radar and day-night thermal camera at the top of Chapel Hill, the highest positioned Naval Base, so that we can watch Sampoor area and Trincomalee harbour-mouth well. I volunteered to implement this bright idea and we fixed required equipments at Chapel Hill. Few depleted buildings from First World War time (old Naval Signal station) were renovated in double-quick time to use as accommodation for naval personnel detailed for duty, both for radar and security of the place.

Chapel Hill is far away from main base, and to reach there, you have to travel through jungle trail. However jungle trail also widen to a proper tarred road.

Chapel Hill Radar Station became “my kingdom”. I ran the place with very high standards and professionalism with help of NMA Navigation School. I used to sleep there at night, so in contingency, I had the complete picture of Trincomalee harbour, the approaches and Sampoor on radar, thermal camera and visually. It was great observation position for safety of ships/craft entering and leaving Trincomalee harbour, which we called as “Choke Point” in our strategic terms. I very well knew young Commanding Officers of our ships/craft had lot of confidence and motivation when they hear my voice on their communication set, directing them and giving details of possible threats at harbour approaches. So, Chapel Hill became my “Chalet” in Trincomalee.

I met a black and white puppy on road side to road leading to Chapel Hill, a male. He was left behind by pack of wild dogs in jungle area. He was weak and full of ticks and fleas. I carry him in my vehicle and gave him a new home at Chapel Hill. After shampoo bath and powdering he looked very nice and healthy. He was a lovely puppy, no fear of jungle and bark very loud and ideal outdoor dog. My sailors at Chapel Hill Detachment became very fond of this puppy and they named him “Chapela”

All our Detachments were given extra food and tea rations. So, Chapela had enough and more food and milk. Chapela was looked after very well by my sailors.

After one month of pampering by Yamuna and son Ravi junior, Rexy became very naughty. She sometimes pee on my son’s bed. Other times tear good socks of my son. Ultimatum came when she chewed best Squash shoes of Ravi junior. When I came on leave, Yamuna allowed me to take Rexy to Trincomalee. My son was upset but Yamuna taught Rexy required some training and discipline. So, Rexy’s first transfer came to Naval and Maritime Academy under Commandant to be trained and disciplined.

Rexy adopted to the new environment quickly. She will join me in my morning beach run at Coral Cove. She love roaming around in the beach. She was fed well with fresh fish by my cook, Gunawardena. Her best friend was my steward Rathnayake. She had another friend, huge Sambar who comes to my garden. She was very fond of Cadets (42nd Intake) to whom I used to teach swimming . She accompanied me to Swimming pool and very happy on barking at Cadets doing swimming training. In the evening, she travel with me in my double cab ( I am driving and she is in front seat) to my Chapel Hill Chalet to spend the night. So, two puppies, Rexy and Chappla became friends at Chapel Hill.

On 1st August 2006, LTTE fired their Artillery guns at Naval Base Trincomalee. Some of these Artillery rounds targeted the SLN Passenger ship (Jet Liner) carrying 1700 troops from Jaffna and ship was entertaining Trincomalee harbour. Other rounds were fired at Naval and Maritime Academy which killed one instructor and four trainees. It was lunch time at NMA (1230 hrs). Some sailors were mustered in front of Quartermaster Lobby, and few shells fell there killing and injuring naval personnel. I rushed to Chapel Hill in my double cab with Rexy. The competent senior sailors there, Chief Petty Officer Jayaweera and Petty Officer Ruwansiri were already on day camera and trying to locate enemy Artillery guns. FACs lead by Lieutenant Commander (then) Samaranayake were on escort duties of Jet liner and they ensured Jet liner enter Trincomalee harbour safely with Army troops on board. We directed our Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) at enemy positions. Rexy and Chapela were under my feet, feared by deafening sounds of Artillery shells and MBRLs. Air support was called and Kafirs airborne from Katunayaka airport. LTTE pulled their guns back to safe locations. We lost a golden opportunity to destroy their heavy Artillery.

That night we shifted our MBRLs from dockyard grounds to a better location at Oxford Circus (where present-day car park of our Naval Museum in located). Army Artillery Crops MBRL Gun crews led by Captain Madugalla were briefed by me and we planned our coordination where Chapel Hill Radar station play role of Forward Observer.

We were not fully ready to face LTTE Artillery barrage on 1st August. We paid for that unpreparedness dearly. When LTTE fired again their Artillery guns on 12th August 2006 night, we were ready with MBRLs. The MBRL firing was directed on enemy gun positions clearly visible with our thermal camera with temperature different at night. The red-hot Artillery gun barrels were clearly visible 8 km away from Chapel Hill at Sudaikudah beach. We were able to destroy enemy guns, ammo and gun crews. Our thermal camera screen blackened out due to large thermal emissions of burning guns and ammunition. Very loud explosions were heard from Sampoor area. That was the last time LTTE fired their Artillery guns in Eastern Province. This was the first time in Sri Lanka the thermal camera was used to direct our MBRLs on enemy gun positions. Later, Chapel Hill Radar station played major role in saving Naval Detachment Muthur from enemy attacks. Chapel Hill Radar Station became invaluable addition to our Naval Base Trincomalee.

Fear of LTTE Artillery barrage, Rexy got another immediate transfer back to my home in Colombo. From that day she became most loved person at home by both Yamuna and son. After all, she went back to Colombo as a War veteran who faced enemy Artillery attacks.

Chapela remained in Chapel Hill, guarding the location and giving support to naval personnel protecting Trincomalee harbour. He missed his friend.

Whatever shampoos, powders and vitamins Rexy was getting were delivered to Chapela also. Chapela always enjoyed a sea bath on Sundays at Chapel beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the World. Rexy get his Sunday bath at shower cubical at our home.

I had two responsibilities on Sundays when I am at home. First one is to clean the toilets and shower cubicles. I am a very good toilet cleaner thanks to my training at Britannia Royal Naval College and HMS Fearless (Royal Navy Landing ship) during my basic training course in UK in 1981. We clean our own toilets on board ships. When we live in ships in close air conditioning environment, keeping toilets very clean is important. Otherwise the smell and germs of toilets will suck in to air conditioner and whole ship will smell bad. I know that I am very good toilet cleaner.

When I finished my work, sinks and toilet bowls were cleaned well with detergents, toilet seats and bidets were polished and shining, floor tiles cleaned and mopped with no spilled water, showers, taps and rails cleaned and polished, towels and air fresheners were replaced. My son has given me the “Best toilet cleaner” award long time ago. Yamuna hate me cleaning toilets, but I enjoy this job!

The other job dedicated to me on Sunday was to give Rexy a shampoo bath. Rexy love water. If I get delay to give her a bath on Sunday, she will go and sit in bathroom until I remember my job. When the bath was over, drying her and other work like cutting nails, applying various types of powders, cleaning her ears/teeth and brushing her beautiful coat is Yamuna’s job. Rexy love pampering and sometimes “demand” our love.

When both my jobs were over, I also have a bath, obviously I am half-wet after bathing Rexy.

After my bath, I sit down in my easy chair with Sunday newspapers and my steward Dissanayake will bring my glass of Cognac with ginger ale and fish fingers plate. Rexy will come and sit near my feet knowing that she will get her share of fish fingers before her healthy Sunday lunch. Sunday!!!! I have my afternoon nap after lunch and Rexy will also be jumped into my bed and sleep next to me.

Yamuna treated Rexy like a child. When Navy cooks prepare our meals, Yamuna always prepared Rexy ‘s meals by herself and fed her with her hand, like feeding a baby. My late father-in-Law used to say we have two children. Ravi Junior our son and Rexy our daughter. She was a such a lovely daughter; I mean a dog.

I was selected to go to New Delhi , India to do my National Defence College Course in 2010. It was an one year course, where you are provided with family accommodation. Yamuna and son were delighted

because we will get an opportunity to meeting our old friends in New Delhi. We had spent four years in New Delhi, when I was Defence Adviser in Sri Lanka High Commission, New Delhi, India from 2001 to 2005. However that evening Yamuna and son decided not to come with me to New Delhi. Reason was Rexy.

We cannot leave her in Sri Lanka and go to India. She never had her meals until my son come home after school. She travel with my son and Yamuna every time they go somewhere. She was never left alone at home. She will wait near door until my son’s arrival after sports practices. She sleeps on our bed. She travels with us on holidays. She will not survive without us.

We decided to take her also with us to New Delhi.

Taking a pet abroad is much difficult than obtaining a Visa to Western country. There are number of quarantine procedures. Blood samples were taken and reports were sent to India. Light-weight cage was prepared to her size. Senior Veterinary Surgeon Dr (Mrs) Chintha Liyanagamage, wife of Group Captain (then) Ravindra Liyanagamage help us with all quarantine procedures.

Pets were carry in aircraft as cargo in cargo hold. Only few aircraft has pressurized cargo hold. So, our air tickets were changed into Jet Airways, which has pressurized cargo hold. We had to transit through Channai as Jet Airways did not flew directly to New Delhi at that time.

SSP Dehideniya of Sri Lanka Police, a dog lover was working in our Deputy High Commission in Chennai and did all formalities on quarantine without any hassle once we landed in Chennai.

.So, Rexy ended up in New Delhi at No 34, “Raksha Bawan”., our house for next one year. She was the only foreign participant: I mean foreign pet in our course. There are 70 houses in Raksha Bawan, more than 50 houses had dogs. Rexi’s best friend was “Honey”, chubby Labrador of Air Commodore (then) Hari Kumar (Indian Air Force) and Dewaka. After her morning walk with me in Raj Path (Kings Road) from India Gate to foot of Rasina hill, or to gate of Rashtrapathi Bawan, Rexi will come back to Raksha Bawan. Then she go near Honey’s house and say “Hello” to her friend, Honey.

Fresh milk was cheap in India. So, Rexy got a liter each in the morning and evening. With good food, milk and frequent exercises, she grow strong with very healthy and lovely coat and strong teeth. She was fortunate enough to appear in “50th National Defense College Magazine “. She was a very photogenic dog.

On our return to country after one year, Rexy had a better cage to travel. One we carry her to India was a wooden one which our carpenters made. I bought a better, lighter and bigger one made out of fiberglass at Khan Market in New Delhi. We had a Jet Airways direct flight from New Delhi to Colombo and Rexy went into Jet Airways history being first pet to travel from New Delhi to Colombo direct flight. It was announced onboard.

Whenever I visited to Trincomalee, I used to see Chapela at Chapel Hill. When he hear my voice, he will come running and start barking at me for not coming to see him for long time. Then walked closer and start liking my legs. The sailors who are new to Chapel Hill Radar Station must be wondering how Chapela knows me so well.

Same with Rexy. When she hear my voice, she will charge down from upstairs and jump on me and start liking my face. Then run around Sitting room and will break few things with her wagging tail. She is so happy to see I am back at home. Yamuna will shout at her, “Rexy ! Stop that ! Now, sit like a lady ! “. She will stop running and come closer and sit next to me, one leg over other ( like a lady) and start liking my hand. She is such a lovely dog. When Rexy is doing all this hassle with happiness of my arrival at home, my son Ravi junior will just lift up his head from his computer and say “Hi Thatti !” (Hi Dad ! ) and go

back to his work on computer. See the difference between my son and daughter ! That is why I said in the beginning, if you did not have a dog, you do not understand what is love and affection.

Rexy has seen me becoming Chief of Staff of the Navy, Commander of the Navy and then Chief of Defence Staff. She has visited all three offices. She is A very lucky girl.

As Commander of the Navy’s and later as CDS’s wife Yamuna never accompanied me on foreign tours even though her expenses paid by the government. Because she is not ready to leave Rexy and go abroad. Such a love and bound was maintained between them.

Whenever Yamuna accompanied my son for Golf training abroad, I have to look after Rexy full time, even taking her to my office. It’s always less than five days Yamuna will be away from Rexy.

Whenever I go abroad, I pick up few gifts for Yamuna and son. I always bought a gift for Rexy also. She had large number of gifts, mostly soft toys. Macaw from Rio De Janeiro Brazil, kangaroo from Canberra Australia, baby elephant from Cochin India, brown bear from Victoria Canada, Camel from Dubai and cockatoo from Indonesia. All her gifts were kept next to her bed.

Love and happiness Rexy brought to our family was unthinkable

Time flew fast……..

Chapela died on 8th April 2016. It was sad day to me and Chapel hill personnel. The dog who did an yeoman service for last ten years at Chapel Hill Radar Station during difficult time of our country and Naval Base Trincomalee was remembered and buried with headstone marked “Chapela”.

Rexy also start becoming sick frequently. When she was sick, whole household was sad. Yamuna and son ensured best medical treatments to her and looked after her very well. Sad news received that Rexy ‘s Indian friend Honey also passed away in December 2017.

I knew sad day is coming closer, which both Yamuna and son refused t accept the fact Rexy is getting older. I remembered the last look of Rexy before she passed away. She looked at me and then towards Yamuna and son. She could not speak, but she told me with her eyes to look after Yamuna and son well. Buddhist monk came home from Tibirigasyaya temple and preached sermons. We buried Rexy at Admiral House garden. Her headstone says “ Rexi – born 12th March 2006 – died on 31st May 2018. – May she attain Nibbana”.

As Buddhists, we believe in recantation. Rexy had a happy and very comfortable life. We believe she will have her re-birth in a good place. My wife and son decided not to have a pet again. Her departure was so sad. They still cry for lovely Rexy, our daughter.

End note; Rexy and Chapela are not the only dogs who has headstones where they buried. If you happened to visit Trincomalee, please visit Navy House, the official Residence of Commander of the Navy. This historic building was first occupied in 1744 by Commodore Curtis Barnett of Royal Navy and first Admiral to live there was Admiral Samuel Hoods in 1811. The boards hanging at the entrance to the House show all occupants of this Navy House from 1744 to date. The two dogs of Commodore G R Lambert died in Trincomalee Navy House in 1852 and they were buried under the large Banyan tree in Trincomalee Navy House. His Staff made a headstone to remember these two dogs and seen even today. Probably the oldest “Pet Headstone” in Sri Lanka.