SRI VIJAYA PURAM | NOVEMBER 6, 2026 | DWEEP TULIKA | DEFENCE
By Dweep Tulika Editorial Desk
Commander Sameera Samarakoon of the Sri Lankan Navy passed away on November 2, 2026, while undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, during his deployment for the BIMSTEC-2026 Maritime Security Exercise.
According to an official statement issued by the Sri Lanka Navy, Commander Samarakoon had been serving as the Senior Electrical and Electronic Engineer aboard Sri Lankan Navy vessel SLNS Gajabahu, which was deployed to participate in the regional maritime exercise.
The officer reportedly fell ill during the deployment and was admitted to a hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram, where he subsequently passed away following a brief illness.
His mortal remains were transported to Sri Lanka on November 3, 2026, aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft. The repatriation was facilitated through coordination between the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities.
Final Respects Paid in Port Blair
Before the mortal remains were transported to Sri Lanka, final respects were paid to the late officer by Captain Asoka Weerasekara, Commanding Officer of SLNS Gajabahu, along with members of the ship's crew and personnel from the Indian Navy.
The participation of Indian Navy personnel in the farewell proceedings reflected the cooperation and professional solidarity between the naval forces of the two neighbouring countries.
The Sri Lanka Navy subsequently expressed its gratitude to the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and diplomatic staff, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force and the medical team at Sri Vijaya Puram for their assistance and coordination in facilitating the return of the officer's mortal remains.
A Naval Career Spanning Nearly Two Decades
Commander Samarakoon joined the Sri Lanka Navy on December 14, 2006, as an Officer Cadet of the 45th intake.
Following the completion of his basic naval training, he was commissioned as an Acting Sub-Lieutenant on December 14, 2008.
During his naval career, he served in various appointments aboard naval vessels and at different naval establishments. Through his years of service, he progressed through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Commander on April 1, 2024.
At the time of his death, he was serving as the Senior Electrical and Electronic Engineer aboard SLNS Gajabahu, contributing to the technical and operational responsibilities of the vessel during its international deployment.
SLNS Gajabahu's Participation in BIMSTEC-2026
SLNS Gajabahu was deployed for the inaugural BIMSTEC-2026 Maritime Security Exercise hosted by India in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The exercise brought together maritime forces from BIMSTEC member countries, providing an opportunity for participating nations to strengthen cooperation, coordination and professional engagement in maritime security.
The deployment of the Sri Lankan naval vessel to Port Blair formed part of the broader regional effort to enhance maritime collaboration among countries in the Bay of Bengal region.
Commander Samarakoon's death occurred during this deployment, bringing an unexpected personal tragedy to the Sri Lankan naval contingent participating in the exercise.
Condolences and Final Rites
The Sri Lanka Navy has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Commander Samarakoon.
The Navy also confirmed that his final rites would be conducted with full naval honours in recognition of his service to the country.
His death has been acknowledged by the Sri Lankan Navy as a loss to the service, with the institution expressing appreciation for the assistance extended by Indian authorities and personnel during the difficult circumstances.
The incident also highlights the importance of the close institutional and professional relationship between the Indian and Sri Lankan armed forces, particularly during joint regional engagements and international maritime exercises.
Source: Official statement issued by the Sri Lanka Navy – Remains of Commander Sameera Samarakoon Brought to Sri Lanka.