Jagath Rodrigo

Jagath Rodrigo there was an era where, surface troops of Sri Lanka had to fight without reasonable fire support to the battle front in absence of suitable weapon platform. To meet the deemed necessity of close air support for surface troops, and fire cover for other heli-borne operations, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) formed an attack helicopter squadron at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Hingurakgoda in 1995 with Mi-24 attack helicopters. The novel challenge of formulating and commanding this new squadron, was placed on the shoulders of a young, brave and experienced helicopter pilot. Under the command of his inspirational leadership, the No 9 attack helicopter squadron was formed and developed enhancing the overall combat power of Sri Lanka Air Force. He is none other than late Group Captain Jagath Rodrigo, who made the supreme sacrifice during a combat mission due to an enemy missile attack over Koddiyar bay in 2000. He served Sri Lanka Air Force for 15 good years displaying his bravery and courage in the face of the enemy, earning number of gallantry medals. He commanded the squadron for almost five years laying the foundation for producing many more pilots in the same calibre to Sri Lanka Air Force, who have displayed their skills throughout the operations. 
== Personal Life == 
He was born on 10 Dec 1963 at Rathnam Private Hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka. His father was Wasala Liyana Muhandiramge Dudley John Rodrigo and his mother was Violet Gomis Abeyasinghe Jayawardena. He was named as Wasala Liyana Muhandiramge Jagath Poojitha Rodrigo after his father. His home town was Pitakotte, Sri Lanka. Young Rodrigo was a very silent character. When the age was right he was admitted to Nalanda College, Colombo for education. He was an average student during schooling. He was a rugby player and played for the school rugby team. He was the eldest of the family and had three siblings, two brothers and one sister. He completed his education in science stream in 1983. He was happily married and blessed with two daughters. 
== Military Life ==
He joined Sri Lanka Air Force on 2 Jul 1985. He was enlisted to the Intake No 14 and started his basic combat training at Sri Lanka Air Force Station Diyathalawa. Then he was posted to SLAF Academy China-bay on 04 Nov 1985 to start his flying carrier. After successful completion of basic admin course, basic flying training and advanced flying training, he got commissioned and earned his wings on 02 jan 1987 as an Officer of General Duties Pilot branch under the number of 01474. He was selected for flying helicopters. Hence, we was posted to No 4 Helicopter Squadron of Sri Lanka Air Force Katunayake for helicopter conversion.He had an illustrious flying carrier in helicopters. He became a VIP pilot in all three types of helicopters of Sri Lanka Air Force by then, namely Bell-206, Bell-212 and Bell 412 by 1992. He held the appointment of Officer Commanding Operations of No 4 VIP/VVIP Helicopter Squadron.
By the time Sri Lanka Air Force decided to induct Mi-24 attack helicopters in early 90's, his name was the first choice of then Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody. He took over No 09 Attack Helicopter Squadron on 24 Nov 1995 as the fist Commanding Officer of the Squadron as a junior Squadron Leader. During his brief carrier in Sri Lanka Air Force he became qualified in basic staff course from Pakistan, flight safety from UK, defence resource management from Malaysia and joint warfare from India. He participated number of operations against LTTE terrorist and awarded with 'Rana Sura Padakkama and Rana Wickrama Padakkama' The scroll awarded by His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumarathungafor his gallantry and valiant contribution. His gallantry carrier was ended as he made the supreme sacrifice on 23 Oct 2000. By the time he has accumulated more than 5000 flying hours on Cessna-150, Bell-206, Bell-212, Bell-412, Mi-17 and Mi-24 aircraft.
=== Final Mission on 23 Oct 2000 ===
By year 2000 LTTE had gain advantage over certain areas located in Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. The security conditions of those provinces had been severely compromised, thus posing a greater threat to the military bases located in those areas. Mi-24 squadron was tasked to assist Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) with close air support in Koddiaar bay against LTTE terrorists on 23 Oct 2000. With one wingman he proceeded with the mission. His aircraft CH-613 Mi-24 was attacked with an SA-14 SAM missile launched by the enemy, which was fatal for the all aircrew in his helicopter. In the incident Flight Lieutenant DSCJ Wijesekara (Co-pilot), Sergeant Siriwardena (Air gunner) and Sergeant Wickramasinghe (Air gunner). The remains were recovered after two days by a joint effort of SLAF and SLN.
Category:1963 births