20th Anniversary of Digampathana blast – the day Sri Lanka Navy cried
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 Defence Staff Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Former High Commissioner to Pakistan The Digampathana suicide truck attack […]
On the 20th anniversary of the Digampathana blast, the Sri Lanka Navy is still marked by the deadliest single attack in its history. On the 16th of October 2006, a suicide truck attack targeted a convoy of naval personnel, leaving a permanent scar on the navy's history. The convoy consisted of fifteen buses carrying personnel from various bases, heading toward Dambulla for a meeting.
The attack occurred as the convoy reached Digampathana, near Sigiriya junction, when an empty half-truck detonated a powerful explosion, instantly shattering the calm of a typical Monday morning. This horrific event resulted in 107 deaths and 153 severe injuries, a tragedy that none could have foreseen.
The aftermath was chaotic, with bodies scattered across the ground and vehicles severely damaged. Among the injured, one of the deceased was Wijesundara, a friend of the reporter. The impact was immense, as the reporter rushed to the scene, witnessing the harrowing sight of injured personnel being rushed to Dambulla Hospital. The medical staff worked tirelessly to save lives amidst the chaos.
Post-blast, the bodies were collected with utmost respect, and DNA testing helped identify each fallen naval personnel, providing closure to their families.
Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, the Navy Commander at the time, was deeply affected by the loss. He ensured that all naval personnel were honored with full ceremonial funerals, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice. The attack not only represented the largest single loss of naval life in the navy's history but also served to strengthen the navy's resolve.
It spurred a renewed determination to combat the Sea Tiger wing of the LTTE and reshaped maritime operations, leaving a lasting impact on the navy's ethos and ethos of its personnel. The memory of that day remains etched in the hearts of those who survived and those who paid the ultimate price, reminding us all of their courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
