The world is engulfed in a frenzied quest for love. Indeed, the sense of deep belonging to another human sweetly sustains the mortal soul. Love serenades and inspires the inner being. To be loved and cherished is perhaps a divine blessing. Last month three couples, each, with an amazing story captivated our minds at their elegant wedding.
The military wedding of three gallant sons of the Sri Lanka Army truly was a testament to endurance, faith, hope and romance. The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Army, Lt.General Chrishanthe de Silva, Maj.General Channa Goonathileke and many other senior officers, amid a gathering of family and friends. As the day’s religious ceremonies took place at the auspicious time, I was able to witness the wonder of true love, unfolding in radiant splendour.
Hailing from the village of Galgamuwa was Corporal Wanninayake. This 29-year-old soldier displayed an aura of determination. He joined the Army in 2007 and after his recruit training was attached to 14 Gemunu Regiment. During a casual visit to the Ayurveda Hospital, in Borella, as a civilian, he had been referred to an intern doctor named Buddhika Kasundani. The handsome soldier had somehow captured the heart of the lady intern.
This initial conversation led to a friendship. The two young people soon developed a romance. I am sure Wanninayake was empowered by her love even as he returned to the battlefield. The theatre of combat is not an easy place for a man. Here, while fighting the enemy, he must also confront his own emotions. A soldier is often confronted with loneliness, although there is much camaraderie among the platoon.
Deployed
One day, Wanninayake was deployed to the Andankulam area (Weli Oya sector). He remained alert. Unknown to him a concealed enemy sniper had targeted him and pulled the trigger. This single gunshot would change the course of this young man’s life forever. He was rushed to safety by army medics. Over the next few weeks he would begin a series of treatments including physiotherapy.
The prolonged path to recovery would take a challenging two years. During this time Buddhika Kasundani visited him at Ranaviru Sevana. Her caring words were a beacon of hope in a world of uncertainty. Gradually, Wanninayake’s condition improved. He was honoured with the Rana Sura Padakamma (RSP-Combat Excellence Medal, recognizing individual acts of heroism in facing the enemy and performed of their own accord)) for his actions in the battlefield.
Today, he finds solace at the Abimahnsala centre which is run by the Army. The Army has invested much towards the welfare of its war disabled men, providing them a serene atmosphere for recuperation.
The final phase of the three decade conflict was marked with bloody encounters. Moments away from achieving victory, Pushpakumara, 23, was in the front lines of the infamous Nanthikadal lagoon which was the most decisive battle zone in the final outcome of the war. Suddenly, falling victim to an exploding mortar, Pushpakumara was injured. This determined soldier, attached to the 5th Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) was not going to give up. Under the dedicated care of the staff of Ranavirua Sevana he began to transform himself into an even stronger man, in both, body and mind. He has been awarded the Rana Sura Paddakkama (RSP) and Rana Wickrama Paddakkama (RWP).
Bliss
Pushpakumara told me that his younger brother is also serving in the 10 Gemunu Watch. The two brothers have indeed upheld the ancient tradition of military service, hailing from Polonnaruwa. On that glorious morning, in Gampaha, he was finally united in matrimonial bliss to his charming bride Shamanthi Nimesha, who had stood by him to reach the summit of victory, together. The young couple had met for the first time at the bus depot at Kurunegala. Now the 30-year-old Corporal Pushpakumara has set his next goal to build a house for him and Nimesha.
As the cameras continued to flash, I was deeply moved to see the third soldier Corporal Ranasinghe of 10 Gemunu Regiment mount the poruwa alongside his dazzling bride Inusha Geethanjali. The lovely couple reminded me of the words of Lucius Seneca “Quos amor verus tenuit, tenebit” (True love will hold onto those, whom it has held).
Born in 1985, he answered the call of duty and enlisted in the Army in 2008. During a sporadic firefight at Vishwamadu, he was critically injured by shrapnel from a mortar. His journey to recovery is indeed a miracle. The faithful staff of Ranaviru Sevana lavished their support and care on Ranasinghe and nursed him back to life.
Gratitude
The three soldiers expressed their eternal gratitude to the members of the Siyanave Api forum- a gathering of benevolent businessmen from Gampaha who have shown their solidarity with the war veterans. The total cost of this magnificent wedding ceremony and reception including all the floral décor and clothing were kindly borne by these good men and coordinated by the Directorate of Army Rehabilitation. At the conclusion of the wedding the Army Commander gave each couple, gifts of cash and other presents.
It was really refreshing and heartwarming to see resident inmates of Ranaviru Sevana at this joyous reception enjoying the fellowship of their friends.
I paused in reflection, about the sacrifice made by the soldier; his individual deeds of altruism often go unnoticed. The young men, who will forever bear the physical scars of combat, whose families must patiently care for them amid their own challenges, dreams that were fulfilled, and dreams that remain to be made a reality… Their earnest aspirations of wedded life in this demanding era will continue to test them.
Today, some folks are in pursuit of love via social media, devoted to their selfies. To others the pre requisites to love are material possessions. Gladly, these three couples have shown us what it is to maintain a genuine relationship. A real marriage is based on understanding, trust and compromise. They redefined love for which I salute them.
This amazing event was indeed a wonderful celebration of the human spirit. An endorsement to the fact that love can transform every trial into a lasting triumph. As the Roman poet Virgilius opined “Love conquers all things, let us surrender to love”.