Exemplary military leaders are remembered by the generations that follow because of their unique qualities and great work. In the glorious Naval Service, the name of late Vice Admiral Asoka de Silva, VSV, whose 90th birth anniversary falls on November 1, is remembered for his tireless efforts and trailblasing work that was to carry the Sri Lanka Navy into the 1990s and beyond.
One of our Nation’s stellar military leaders, Admiral de Silva admirably spearheaded the Navy from June 1, 1983 to October 31, 1986 as the 9th Commander of the Navy. He was an unassuming gentleman, with a magnanimous heart, yet the responsibility, the naval uniform and his beard projected him as a tough Naval Officer and a disciplined leader.
During my naval career, 1979 through 2018, I had the honour of serving on the personal staff of successive Commanders of the Navy on 12 occasions. I was privileged to meet a diversity of high-ranking military officers. Almost all of them have become part of my personal life, but I was blessed to enjoy a ‘Father and Son’ relationship with Admiral Asoka de Silva.
Birth and growth
He was born on November 1, 1931 as the third child of a family of eight. His father, Dr. A. H. T. de Silva was a renowned Surgeon. His mother, Beatrice was a daughter of a Mudaliyar. Educated at the Royal College, Colombo, he demonstrated his intellectual aptitude as a student and excelled in his studies as well as in sports.
From a young age, he displayed the self-confidence he developed during his college Cadet days. He was the Senior Sergeant commanding the College Cadet Corps. Discipline that was inculcated in him as a Boy Scout moulded him into a robust young sailor. He was an all-round sportsman, but his forte was rugby. He donned the college jersey in 1950, winning college sports colours.
He joined the then Royal Ceylon Navy, straight from college as a stripling of 18 on September 1, 1950 as an Officer Cadet of the First Cadet Intake. After completing his basic training in Sri Lanka, he was sent to the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, United Kingdom for further training. There he became a Midshipman on September 1, 1951.
He was promoted to the rank of Sub Lieutenant on January 1, 1953. Having portrayed the good mannerisms, charismatic qualities and the exemplary character that are essential attributes of a young officer, he committed to a career with the then Royal Ceylon Navy. He was promoted Lieutenant on March 16, 1955 and later Lieutenant-Commander on March 16, 1963.
Besides the training at Dartmouth, in 1952, he attended the Royal Naval College in Greenwich, United Kingdom and followed the Communication Specialisation Course at HMS Mercury, United Kingdom. He later attended the Staff Course at the Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, India in 1967 and the National Defence College, New Delhi, India in 1977.
His was a trailblasing career. He served as Defence Attache at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London, United Kingdom in 1969 and 1970. He was promoted Commander on November 1, 1970 and was selected for strategic command varying from the Commanding Officer of the Flag Ship HMCyS Gajabahu, and the Coordinating Officer of the District of Polonnaruwa during the 1971 insurrection.
He was the Naval Officer-In-Charge of Trincomalee when he was promoted to Captain on June 1, 1973, after which he proved his mettle as an experienced and professional Master Mariner by undertaking responsibilities as the Master of MV Lanka Kanthi of the Ceylon Shipping Corporation in 1975.
His rapid promotions continued when he was made Commodore on February 4, 1978. He served as the Naval Officer-In-Charge of Trincomalee, Coordinating Officer TAFII (East), Deputy Master Attendant (Trincomalee) and Director Naval Operations, until he was appointed as the Chief of Staff at Naval Headquarters on July 1, 1979.
He was instrumental in instituting the Sri Lanka Naval Association (SLNA) on December 8, 1979 as the Convener and Chairman of the Steering Committee. Today, SLNA has grown into a vibrant organisation and stands at a threshold of a new renaissance, admirably serving over 7,500 officers and sailors.
As Chief of Staff, he spearheaded the Navy’s 30th Anniversary celebrations on December 9, 1980 that included a ceremonial parade at the Sugathadasa Stadium with President J. R. Jayewardene as the Chief Guest. Incidentally, my batch of the 8th Cadet Intake was privileged to pass out on that historical occasion.
Commander of the Navy
The Admiral was a loyal and efficient officer who had an untarnished lifetime career in the Navy. In recognition of his overall contributions to the Navy, his country and his unblemished, dedicated and loyal service, the President promoted him to the rank of Rear Admiral and appointed him as the Commander of the Navy on June 1, 1983.
As Commander of the Navy, he simultaneously held two Presidential appointments firstly as the Coordinating Officer of the District of Trincomalee and later as Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Joint Services Special Operations Command (JOSSOP), established in Vavuniya, where he was responsible for the districts of Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullativu and Trincomalee.
He is a legendary Admiral who always led from the front. His tenure as the Commander of the Navy was full of creative activities and praiseworthy changes for the betterment of the service and the country. The establishment of JOSSOP, consisting of the Armed Forces, Police and Administrative Service was a herculean task which he meticulously executed. As the C-in-C, he created a friendly atmosphere often quoting, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now”.
In the Navy, he introduced the ‘Mother Ship – Daughter Craft’ concept to the admiration of all, acquiring three vessels and converting them as Surveillance Command Ships. The Naval Patrolman Branch that rendered invaluable contributions during the humanitarian operations was his brainchild. Besides, he opened the doors for women to join the Navy.
Admiral de Silva introduced official numbers to all officers and his was NRX 0001. He contributed immensely towards promotion of sports as well, serving as Presidents of the Navy Sports Board and the Defence Services Sports Board. It was his wife, Madam Sriya who founded the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Navy.
Admiral de Silva reached the zenith of his naval career when he was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral on August 1, 1986. He became the first Naval Officer in the history of Sri Lanka to reach the 3-star rank. The country expected him to continue at the helm, but he decided to relinquish command on his 55th birthday on November 1, 1986.
In recognition of his courage and efficiency as well as honesty and loyalty to the country, the Admiral was decorated with seven distinguished medals: the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya, the Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal, the Sri Lanka Navy 25th Anniversary Medal, the Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal and Clasp, The Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, the President’s Inauguration Medal and the Purna Bhumi Padakkama.
Serving an Admiral
My first meeting with Admiral Asoka de Silva was on December 9, 1980 at cocktails following my Intake’s Passing-Out Parade. I was next presented to him after I returned from the International Course in Pakistan in 1983. As Chief of Staff, he congratulated me for achieving the highest average and for reaching the podium in 400m at the Pakistan Navy Athletics Championships.
I was the Guard Officer of the Ceremonial Parade that welcomed him to Trincomalee following his elevation to the helm in 1983. Later, he commended me for a pivotal role played at a crucial hour in naval history at SLNS Tissa in 1983. Within months, on October 1, 1983, he appointed me to the pioneering staff at JOSSOP.
I was the youngest officer at JOSSOP and was assigned duties of the Adjutant. Admiral spent three days a week at JOSSOP and was accompanied by his Flag Lieutenant, Lieutenant Udaya Lanka Prasad. Whenever the Commander-in-Chief arrived alone, I enthusiastically played the role of his Aide-de-Camp. The opportunity served me as ‘a steep learning curve.’
I was appointed as the Flag Lieutenant to the Commander of the Navy on October 1, 1985. I remember reporting to him. It happened to be my 6th anniversary of joining the Navy. He sat on his sofa, lit his pipe and briefly outlined my duties, always saying, “You will learn.” He winded up and invited me to dinner at the official residence, ‘Klippenburg House.’
The Admiral’s three children, Sajith, Dilini and Rapti were abroad when he turned 54, on November 1, 1985. I was asked to bring Carmel and join the Admiral and his gracious lady at a birthday breakfast – a tradition we followed until his death. This first visit prompted my wife to become a volunteer and lend a hand towards ‘Seva Vanitha’ activities even before our marriage.
With a skeleton personal staff, Admiral de Silva and his wife lived gracefully at ‘Klippenburg House’ hosting dignitaries from all over the world. The Naval Fleets of eight countries called in Colombo harbour during the six months from October 1985. First, the Training Squadron of the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force with Admiral Takayuki Itoh arrived. Then, the United States’ Carrier Group Seven that included USS Kitty Hawk made a historical visit with Admiral Dennis Brooks. The ships of China’s Dong Hai Sea Fleet under Admiral Nie Kuiju followed.
Next, the French Naval Fleet with Admiral Gilbert Le Meledo arrived. The Royal Netherlands Navy Task Group under Admiral J. D. W. Van Renesse as well as the Royal Thai Naval Cruise Training Unit under Admiral Sompote Khamasundara followed. Finally, the Pakistan Fleet under Admiral Saeed Mohammed Khan visited.
There were also the visits of Heads of States, General Zia-Ul-Haq of Pakistan and General Hussain Mohammad Ershad of Bangladesh. Also, the Commander of the United States’ Seventh Fleet, Admiral Paul McCarthey made an official visit. Amid all this, the Commander of the Navy undertook a visit to the United States. It was hectic, but I enjoyed every day of my life as the Flag Lieutenant.
From the outside, the appointment of ‘Flag Lieutenant’ might look glamorous, but the work never stops. The role is an amazing development opportunity for a junior officer, and a chance to see the strategic workings of the Navy. The ‘Flags’, as one is affectionately called, travels with the Admiral all the time. You are the first point of call for enquiries. It’s 24/7. You are exposed to the highest, but hardly have time to explore. You meet Admirals and their Flag Lieutenants from around the world. It’s such a good opportunity for a Lieutenant.
Admiral de Silva and his wife never failed to pay their last respects to the ‘war heroes’ and attended funerals of almost all who made the ‘Supreme Sacrifice.’ On certain days, we were travelling across the country from early morning till late night. Those were the days the Commander of the Navy had just one official car, NAHA 5506, and no back up vehicles or escorts.
One day in the port of Kankesanthurai when Admiral was climbing a Jacob’s ladder to board a vessel while meddling with his pipe, he slipped, but fell on my shoulders just a couple of steps below and we were both safe. After boarding, he looked at me, smiled and said, “Now these are the unwritten duties of a Flag Lieutenant!”
Admiral de Silva also afforded me an opportunity to glimpse the duties of the Personal Assistant when the incumbent Anoma Illangakoon was posted for training prior to absorbing her into the Naval Service. The personal staff then consisted of three officers, with Lieutenant Commander Nandin Chandradeva as the Secretary.
Admiral de Silva always treasured customs and traditions. It was he who introduced the portraits of the Commanders of the Navy. The occasion was the 35th ‘Navy Day’. We had eight portraits unveiled. The portrait shared in this article was taken in ‘Admiral’s Office’ and the professional studio cameraman bestowed me the opportunity to click the camera button!
On his last day in office, on October 31, 1986, I was privileged to accompany Admiral on his farewell calls on the Inspector General of Police, Cyril Herath, the Commander of the Army, General Nalin Seneviratne, the General Officer Commanding, General Cyril Ranatunga, the Secretary, Defence, General Sepala Attygalle, the Secretary to the President, W. M. P. B. Menikdiwela, the Minister of National Security, Lalith Athulathmudali, the Prime Minister, R. Premadasa and the President, J. R. Jayewardene.
Returning to “Klippenburg House”, he posed for a final photograph before he shed his ceremonial uniform. That night, I accompanied Admiral and madam on my final tour of duty for the formal ‘Dining In-Dining Out.’ We drove to the wardroom with Naval Ensign and returned with 3-Star Flag. The present practice of promoting the service commanders upon retirement did not exist in 1986. They then bid me adieu, surprising me by presenting a complete set of branded ceremonial uniforms as a gift for my wedding.
Retired life
Admiral de Silva’s charismatic qualities had won the admiration of his superiors, colleagues and subordinates alike. As a mark of recognition for being a source of encouragement and inspiration to his fellow officers and sailors, the President appointed him to serve as Sri Lanka’s first Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba. The Admiral and his wife left the country shortly after his retirement from the Navy.
On completion of the diplomatic appointment, Admiral de Silva worked as Consultant to the Principal of the Jamaica Maritime Training Institute, which has now developed into the Caribbean Maritime University. In 1994, he and his wife returned to Sri Lanka. Ever since then, the Admiral remained an outstanding spokesman for the Navy and the country.
He spearheaded the formation of the Retired Naval Officers Club. Year after year, they were present at the religious ceremonies invoking the blessings on the Navy as well as at the ‘Navy Get-Together.’
Admiral de Silva lived 75 years of a rich and varied life filled with both highs and lows before answering the inevitable call from above on December 22, 2006. His death was a great loss to his wife Sriya, son Sajith, daughters Dilini and Rapti, daughter-in-law Natalia, son-in-law Albert, grandchildren Piotr, Monika, Shanyl, Dennis and Nilukshi.
When Carmel and I approached him for the last time, he thanked us for our endless love to him and his wife. He then removed his ‘Admiral’s Ring’ which he himself designed with the National Emblem and Naval Ensign embossed and a cat’s eye embedded and wanted me to check whether it fitted me. Within a couple of days, he was gone, leaving an indelible memory.
My last duty to my first Admiral whom I served with great love and honour for 21 years while he was in and out of the Navy was his final voyage on the Christmas Eve of 2006. A few days later, Madam Sriya presented the ‘Admiral’s Ring’ to me as per Admiral’s last will and today, I wear it proudly.
Admiral Asoka de Silva possessed unique qualities and looked the embodiment of an admiral and a gentleman. He instilled in me the confidence to serve the Navy for 38 years. His inspirational leadership was an example to be emulated by the younger generations. After his passing, Madam Sriya continued our warm and sincere relationship until her last days on earth. She touched and inspired us and our children with her sterling qualities as a gracious lady. The long years we sailed with Admiral Asoka and Madam Sriya blessed our destinies. We continue to cherish fond memories and salute them with great love and respect!