User:Imeshwijewardana/sandbox

= Charles Wijewardana 1948-2005 =

= Early Career and involvement in Sri Lanka Rugby = The Late Deputy Inspector General (DIG)- Charles Wijewardana of the Sri Lanka Police Force, was a household name. He had the proud distinction of captaining two service teams Air Force (1972) and Police (1979) during the police rugby era better known a Charlie, as he held the center stage as a place kicker of exceptional ability. He was a product of Vidyartha College Kandy and enrolled in the Sri Lanka Air Force i n 1965 where he played with distinction for them, during 1971 insurgency, when the Air Force did not take part in local competitions, he turned out for CR& FC and helped them to emerge champions as well.

In 1972, he joined the Sri Lanka Police force as a Sub Inspector, where he played till retirement from the game in 1982, he was a member of the national rugby team as well, in 1979 Police won the Clifford cup under his captaincy, he was also adjudged the "Best Place Kicker in Sri Lanka" and earned the titles such as “King Charles”, “Mr Reliable” & “Magic Boots”.

Charles Wijewardana was first helped by Air Vice Marshal Harry Gunatilake later he turned out to be one of his best products. Later he joined the Police force as a sub-inspector in 1973, he manned the last line as an attacking full back. He played hard, tackled hard, but never played dirty or caused pain to others. He was one of the first rugby player in Sri Lanka to score over 100 points in a season from 1975-1980. and personal points tally above 250 points

Prior to his appointment in the North, he was in service in Kurunegala where he was always at hand to help young rugby players of Maliyadeva College and Kurunegala Rugby Football Club.

At present the award for the "Most Valuable Player" in the Clifford Cup tournament which is held annually is presented in memory of the late & great Charles Wijewardana

Death
In 2005 he was the DIG, Jaffna which is a city in the Northern peninsula of Sri Lanka, Charles Wijewardena was kidnapped and killed while he was travelling to Inuvil to investigate a shooting incident on the 4th of August 2005. The death of Charles Wijewardena under tragic circumstances, was a brutal act. He was tortured before being hacked to death on the 4th of August in 2005. he was also the highest ranking police officer to be killed in action.

The abduction and killing happened during the ceasefire process and was a blatant attack on a brave officer by the terrorist group called the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam which was later defeated by the Sri Lankan armed forces by the subsequent government lead by president Mahinda Rajapaksha in 2009.

He was at the age of 57 at the time of his death in 2005, The circumstances were tragic whilst on duty in the war-torn northern province of Sri Lanka

Family
Charles Wijewardana left behind his wife Sriyani Wijewardana two daughters Sonali & Lakshi Wijewardana and a Son Imesh Wijewardana

Awards
He has been honored with the following gallantry and service medals during his career & following his death.