The Sri Lanka Navy received profoundly sad news during the 'BIMSTEC 2026' defence military exercise held around India's Andaman Islands. Navy Commander Sameera Madushanka Samarakoon, who had joined the exercise, suddenly fell ill. Navy sources confirmed that he passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram, Nicobar, India.

In addition to this unfortunate incident, it is reported that three other Sri Lankan naval officers who participated in the exercise have also taken ill.

Key Points

  • Commander Sameera Madushanka Samarakoon passes away due to illness during the 'BIMSTEC 2026' military exercise.
  • Three other naval officers who fell ill admitted to the IDH Hospital in Colombo for treatment.
  • Remains and the ailing officers brought to Katunayake aboard an Indian Air Force C-130 special aircraft.
  • Exact cause of death remains unconfirmed: body parts sent to the Government Analyst.

Remains brought to Katunayake

The remains of the late Commander Sameera, along with the three other officers who fell ill, were brought to the Katunayake Airport on the 3rd aboard a special C-130 aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force. The three ailing officers were immediately admitted to the Colombo IDH Hospital for further treatment.

A resident of Tiriwanagama, Kalagedihena, Commander Sameera joined the Navy as a cadet officer in March 2006. He served as an engineer aboard the naval vessel Gajaba, which sailed to India. The vessel had departed for India on the 24th of last month. Full honours were paid to his remains in Nicobar by Sri Lankan and Indian naval officers, including Captain Ashoka Weerasekara.

Inquest and cause of death

The exact cause of death has not yet been determined. The post-mortem examination on the Commander was conducted the day before yesterday (4) at the Negombo Hospital. Police said the Judicial Medical Officer deferred giving the cause of death.

Steps have been taken to forward body parts to the Government Analyst's Department, and authorities stated the cause of death will be announced once the report is received. Negombo Hospital sources stated that the sealed remains have now been handed over to relatives for final rites.

What happens next?

The Judicial Medical Officer is scheduled to notify the police of the exact cause of death once the Government Analyst's report is received.

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