The Sudden Loss of a National Hero: Lieutenant Koyan Chamitha

Magazine
January 30, 2026

The Sri Lankan nation and its military community are in mourning following the sudden passing of Lieutenant Koyan Chamitha, a trailblazing officer of the Sri Lanka Navy’s elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS).
Lieutenant Chamitha, aged 28, was discovered dead in the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the naval quarters in the Welisara Navy Camp. He was in Colombo at the time to prepare for the upcoming Independence Day parade.

A Historic Achievement
Lieutenant Chamitha etched his name in military history last year by becoming the first Sri Lankan to successfully complete the grueling U.S. Navy SEAL basic training.

The SEAL Trident: Out of a pool of nearly 200 international candidates, he was one of only 27 to earn the prestigious SEAL Trident, a symbol of excellence in special operations.
Rigorous Training: His 14-month journey included the infamous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) course, widely regarded as one of the toughest military programs in the world.
National Pride: His success was celebrated as a milestone for the Sri Lanka Navy, earning him personal commendations from the Commander of the Navy and the U.S. Embassy.
Investigation into His Passing
The cause of death for the young officer remains unconfirmed. Preliminary reports suggest he may have passed away in his sleep, with a heart attack cited as a possible cause. However, due to his age and peak physical condition, the Ministry of Defence has taken the situation seriously.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has directed the Commander of the Navy to conduct a formal inquiry into the circumstances of his death. A post-mortem examination and further investigations are currently underway to provide definitive answers.
Tributes and Legacy
News of his death has sent shockwaves through his hometown of Gampaha and his alma mater, Bandaranaike College. The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a statement expressing deep condolences, noting that his career reflected the “strong and enduring partnership” between the two nations.
He is remembered by his colleagues in the SBS as a highly disciplined and inspirational figure who proved that Sri Lankan personnel could meet the highest global standards of special warfare.
Sources: Daily Mirror, NewsFirst, Newswire, Ceylon Today (January 28–29, 2026).