By Hafiz Marikar, Our Kandy Sports Corr
Brigadier Susantha Mendis, a colourful military officer and a fine footballer is no more. He came by his tragic death in the course of duty in the North following a terrorist bomb blast on Friday.

Brigadier Mendis

Susantha Mendis was a distinguished product of St. Sylvester's College, Kandy where he excelled as a sportsman and studies. He had the distinction of leading his 'alma mater' to the Kandy Schools Football Championship title in 1970 having excelled as a soccerite. He was also a senior prefect and won the Silver and Gold Medals, the highest awards at St. Sylvester's.

He captained the college football team, the Kandy Schools team and was also in the Ceylon Schools Football pool. He was also awarded the school colours.

On joining the Army, Susantha Mendis rose to the rank of Brigadier in a distinguished career. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Major General.

Even though Susantha has departed, he will be long remembered as a true gentlemen and a loyal officer.