Remains of Navy officer who died in India brought back to Sri Lanka

The remains of Commander Sameera Samarakoon, who passed away untimely while undergoing medical treatment in India, has been brought to Sri Lanka by an Indian Air Force aircraft, the Sri Lanka Navy said.

Commander Samarakoon was serving as the Senior Electrical and Electronic Engineer aboard SLNS Gajabahu during its deployment for the ‘BIMSTEC – 2026’ Maritime Security Exercise.

After a brief illness, he was admitted to a hospital in Sri Vijayapuram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he passed away on November 02, the Navy stated.

Before the remains were returned yesterday (03), final respects were paid to the late officer by the Commanding Officer SLNS Gajabahu, Captain Asoka Weerasekara, alongside the ship’s crew and personnel from the Indian Navy.

Having joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 14 December 2006 as an Officer Cadet of the 45th intake, Commander Samarakoon was commissioned as an Acting Sub-Lieutenant on 14 December 2008 upon completion of his basic training, it said.

Throughout his naval career, the officer held various appointments across naval ships and establishments. Over the course of his service, the officer rose steadily through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Commander on April 01, 2024, the Navy added.

The Sri Lanka Navy had expressed its gratitude to the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and diplomatic staff, the Indian Navy and Air Force as well as the medical team at Sri Vijayapuram for their assistance and swift coordination in returning the officer's mortal remains.

The final rites of the Commander Samarakoon are scheduled to be conducted with full naval honours, the Navy added.