Alion who led his tribe from the front in all situations is no more. Major General Kularatne Arachchige Michal Godwin Kularatne, popularly known as “Kulta” among his contemporaries passed way in the dawn of Sinhala and Tamil New year on April 14 very peacefully, at 77.
We never expected this, but I am sure he was fully satisfied with what he lived and what he contributed to the nation. Major General Kularatne was my 1st Commanding Officer when I joined the Corps of Military Police way back in 1986, just after my Officer Cadet training in Pakistan. The exemplary leadership and command he exercised over his troops, heavily influenced us to be what we are today as proud Veterans who defended the Mother Sri Lanka in most critical stages.
He was born on September 25, 1945 as the eldest of 13 children in a well-known business family in Kotahena, whose father owned a marine salvage company in Colombo. Young Michal Kularatne had his primary education at St Lucia’s English School and secondary education was completed at Thurstan College in Colombo 7.
He was subsequently enlisted to the University of Peradeniya and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management. He was in top bracket in his academic work throughout and set the gateway for his siblings. “Kulta” was a popular character in “Pera” as he was involved in a many extracurricular activities, including multiple sports.
Life in uniform
He joined the Army as an Officer Cadet while he was an undergraduate in 1967. Having gone through the initial Officer Cadet Training along with Brig Attanayake, Brig Lakshman Kulathunga and Brigadier Mahinda Ariyaratne as direct enlists who were known as “Famous Four”in Military cercle, Officer Cadet Kularatne was commissioned as a second Lieutenant on April 11, 1968 and posted to Sri Lanka Corps of Military police. They truly enjoyed the life in uniform with positive mindsets and excelled in their fields to reach the top eventually. He retired as Adjutant General of the Army on September 25, 2000, completing an unblemished and distinguished military career.
Gen Kularatne is simply a legend of our time who created Military Police history in Sri Lanka, thus known him as the father of Military Police. He was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the first regiment of the Sri Lanka Corps of Military police in 1981 as a very junior Major on merit by then Commander of the Army, General Denis Perera.
It was the first opportunity given to a Provost Officer to command his regiment after two decades. He proved his command and justified his appointment by commanding the regiment for seven years. It paved the way for the Provost, next in line, to continue with Command to date. He was also the first Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police in 1990 and established the Regimental Headquarters with multiple Provost Regiments and Special Investigation Unit, covering the whole Island under a solid establishment. His forward-thinking initiatives created a strong Military Police Force to support all levels of Military Commanders to maintain a disciplined Army in the country throughout to win the counterterrorism battle, eventually in 2009.
Living doctrine
He was also the first Provost Marshal of the Army and advised Army Commander and Field Commanders on Provost Matters in unbiased and appropriate manner. General Kularatne was the living doctrine as well with authority for all juniors in the Regiment to follow when it came to police duties. He was firm and fair in Command with an “understanding heart”. We the mischievous young officers would never have crossed the line in our careers and in personal lives to enjoy what we are today if not for his practicality in regimentation and fatherly advice.
As our Commanding Officer, he always applied the theory of “what should I expect to do by hierarchy, if I myself is spotted in the controversy”. I am pretty sure that he never forgot his young officer days which he enjoyed as a professional soldier. Those who served under him will agree that he is a fine fit to be called an officer and a gentleman.
Maj Gen Kularatne was one of the best all-round sportsmen ever produced by Military police. He represented Army and Defence Services teams in Rugby and obtained colours. He also represented Military police in Football, Cricket and Hockey. He had a knack of playing any sport. I remember how he got into the game of Basketball at his middle age as a Colonel. He was seen on ground daily and as a regular keep-fit fanatic.
He played any game with troops during recreation; it can be volleyball, soft ball cricket, badminton or squash. His fighting spirit is known to all of us and always played to win, but fair in dealings. His support to fellow sportsmen in Military Police was immense and my gratitude goes to him for introducing me to Late General Nalin Angammana to play Army Cricket, despite operational commitments.
He developed a golden era in sports for Military policemen under his Command and super athletes were produced to represent Sri Lanka. Provost could win so many championships in Army Inter Regiment Tournaments, including Cricket, Boxing, Basketball and Athletics. He encouraged all troops to be fit and set precedence for well-being by being the first to come for morning Physical fitness parade and recreation in the evening, even in operational areas.
Significant chapter
His cheerful presence in “Weber Stadium”- Batticaloa in early 90’s is ever remembered to both sports loving civilians and Military. As a sports administrator, he led the Army Boxing as Chairman of the Army Boxing Committee to be the national champions for long years and kept the Army boxers in limelight last decade of 20th century. His love and commitment for sports are truly a significant chapter in his life story.
He enjoyed his command and control as he had better traits as a military leader. He effectively communicated in both languages and had the personality to represent any Forum, bringing credit to the organisation. Though he had classmates even as Head of States, he never misused such privilege to survive in the limelight. Gen “Kulta” always believed on meritocracy and integrity.
His association with bhikkhus and the practical way of living in accordance with Buddhist teachings created a true adult in him which is exemplary in all terms. His post retirement life was dedicated to practise Buddhism and enhance spirituality. We rarely see such characters who can influence our next generation.
Maj General Kularatne was married to Kusum whom he met in “Pera”. She was an educational Administrator by profession. Kusum Kularatne was a pillar of strength to Gen Kularatne and the loving couple set true path to young military couples. They were blessed with a son, Colonel Lasitha, who is an Orthopaedic surgeon in the Military Hospital and a daughter, Isuri who is an accountant in Australia. The family itself is a reflection of his way of life.
He always cheerfully maintained a live connectivity with his relatives, friends and society. He as a veteran soldier was mature enough to coach, mentor, guide and advise to those who needed the support. His company in any situation created happiness in everyone. We all will miss him a lot in time to come as his vacuum is hard to be replaced.
Finally, on behalf of all his subordinates, I wholeheartedly appreciate the dedicated service he rendered to the nation. He will be remembered in our hearts as a leader who is closer to our heart.
“May he attain the supreme bliss of nibbana”
Lt Col (Rtd) Ajith Siyambalapitiya, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Ex-servicemen’s Association, Former Commanding Officer of first Regiment, Sri Lanka Corps of Military police