(30th March 1960 – 17th June 2026)
There are moments when words seem inadequate to express the sorrow of losing an extraordinary soul. Today, we remember Major Seevaratnam Mahindan (Retd), an exemplary officer, an inspiring instructor, a devoted Catholic, and above all, a true gentleman whose life was defined by honour, humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Affectionately known as Mahindan, he embodied the finest qualities expected of an officer and a gentleman. Quietly confident, impeccably disciplined, unfailingly courteous, and deeply compassionate, he earned the admiration and respect of all who knew him.
He received his education from Hindu College Nuwara Eliya, Hindu College Jaffna and Hindu College Bambalapitiya, where the values of discipline, humility, and excellence that would define his life were firmly rooted.
His military journey began on 28 April 1980, when he joined the pioneering First Intake of the Short Service Commission (SSC 1) and proceeded to the Officers Training School in Madras, India, later at the Army Training Centre Diyatalawa. On completion of his training successfully, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant and posted the 4th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery.
A proud Black Belt and accomplished martial artist, Mahindan possessed remarkable physical and mental strength, yet remained one of the gentlest of souls. His professionalism, integrity, and sound judgement earned him the confidence of both his superiors and his peers. As an Officer Instructor at the Kotelawala Defence Academy (KDA), Adjutant of the 4th Regiment, Sri Lanka Artillery, and later Adjutant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA), he moulded generations of young officers through discipline, example, and genuine care.
I was privileged to know him first as one of my Officer Instructors at the KDA and later as Adjutant at the SLMA. To us, he represented the very essence of military leadership. His commanding presence, immaculate turnout, and uncompromising standards inspired every cadet under his charge.
Yet, beneath that disciplined exterior was a heart of extraordinary kindness. I vividly remember an occasion when our Intake 3, raised concerns that the quality of our lunch was far below acceptable standards. As the Duty Officer, Lt Mahindan intervened with his characteristic calmness and resolved the matter without unnecessary confrontation. It was only many years later that we discovered the additional food served to us that day, including the extra bull’s-eye eggs, had been paid for from his own pocket. He never spoke of it, nor did he seek recognition. That quiet act of generosity revealed the true measure of the officer.
We were indeed blessed to have outstanding young officers such as Lt Mahindan, Lt Dushantha Chelliah (retired in a higher rank and now settled in, Virginia, USA), and Captain Raj Fernando (passed away in 2024) as our instructors. They were uncompromising in matters of military training, discipline, and standards. Yet, behind closed doors, they tirelessly advocated during officers’ meetings to improve the welfare, meals, and living conditions of Officer Cadets.
As young cadets, we saw only their strictness. It is only now, more than four decades later, that we fully appreciate how deeply they cared for our wellbeing and how courageously they stood up for us. Their leadership extended far beyond military instruction; they genuinely cared for the young men entrusted to them.
Beyond his distinguished military career, Mahindan was a devoted husband, a loyal friend, and a man of profound Christian faith. His greatest earthly blessing was Dushy, whom he first met during a train journey from Mannar to Colombo, a chance encounter that blossomed into a lifelong love. They later exchanged their marriage vows before God at the altar of St. Lawrence’s Church, Wellawatte with fellow Artillery officers, Capt. Jagath Rambukpotha (retired as Maj General) and Capt. Ranjith Rupasinghe (retired as Colonel) standing proudly beside him as his best men. Together, Mahindan and Dushy built a marriage founded on love, faith, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment.
In October 1990, Maj Mahindan bid farewell to his military career and embarked on a new chapter of life in Toronto, Canada, with his beloved wife, Dushy.
A cradle Catholic and a faithful servant of Christ, Mahindan lived his faith not merely in words but through his actions. He faithfully shared God’s Word, encouraged those around him, and placed his complete trust in the Lord throughout every joy and every trial.
My final conversation with him was on his birthday, 30 March. Despite his illness, there was no fear in his voice only serenity, courage, and unwavering faith in God’s will. That was Mahindan: calm in adversity, steadfast in faith, and always an inspiration to those around him.
Today, we mourn his passing, but we also celebrate a life lived with honour, dignity, humility, and selfless service. His military achievements were distinguished, but his character was greater still. His legacy will endure not only in the many officers he trained but also in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, integrity, humility, and quiet leadership.
On 11 July, Maj Mahindan’s batchmates and fellow officers of the Regiment of Artillery organized a Requiem Mass at the Sacred Heart Church, Rajagiriya. Held in a deeply solemn and prayerful atmosphere, the Mass was offered for the repose of his noble soul, in recognition of his distinguished and dedicated service to the Sri Lanka Army and the nation.
The service was attended by a large gathering that included the serving and former Commanders of the Army, retired and serving military personnel, family members, relatives, and friends, all united in paying their final respects to a soldier, gentleman, and patriot whose life of honour and selfless service will be remembered with gratitude and admiration
May Maj Mahindan’s soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace eternally.
Rest in eternal peace, dear Maj Mahindan. Your life was a lesson in honour, your faith an inspiration, and your legacy will continue to live on in every officer you trained, every soldier you inspired, every friend you cherished, and every life you quietly transformed.
Nilakshan Perera
from The Island https://ift.tt/SvPwxJf
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