Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ In a remarkable display of bravery, a young Sri Lankan Kiwi hailing from South Otago has achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the prestigious Mountbatten medal for the heroic rescue of his younger brother from dangerous surf. Notably, the Mountbatten Medal is an esteemed honor bestowed upon only one individual from the Commonwealth each year.
On a fateful day last year, the 13-year-old Kalya Kandegoda Gamage was enjoying the waters of Chrystalls Beach alongside his 11-year-old sibling, Kithmi. Tragedy struck when a gigantic wave forcefully swept Kithmi off his feet, followed by two more waves that dragged him into the perilous depths. Despite being a competent swimmer, Kithmi struggled to return to the shore and found himself treading water, worn out by the relentless 3-meter swells that pushed him farther from safety.
But displaying remarkable courage, Kalya plunged into the chilling waters after a few hesitant leaps. Although he maintained his composure while approaching his stranded brother, anxiety overtook him once he reached Kithmi. Together, they began their arduous journey back to shore, facing the daunting possibility that they might not make it. Miraculously, they managed to return, though exhausted and chilled to the bone. Kalya expressed immense relief that their lives were saved that day, and this near-death experience left both siblings with a newfound reverence for the sea, instilling a sense of caution in them.
The Royal Life Saving Society’s citation highlighted the perilous nature of the waters they encountered, with a local police officer stating that “no-one survives in that stretch of water; it is notoriously dangerous.” Undoubtedly, it was only Kalya’s bold and timely response that rescued his brother from the clutches of disaster on that fateful day, earning him well-deserved accolades.
While having ambitions of starting a business or pursuing a career as an engineer, Kalya also sought to enhance his swimming skills and lifesaving training, honed during his time in Sri Lanka. These life-saving skills played a vital role not only in saving his brother’s life but also in his ultimate triumph in the 2022 Mountbatten Medal, an esteemed honor bestowed upon only one individual from the Commonwealth each year.
Remarkably, the now 14-year-old Kalya became the youngest-ever recipient of this bravery award, a testament to his exceptional valor and determination. In a special school assembly at Tokomairiro High School in Milton, Kalya was proudly presented with the prestigious medal, garnering admiration from his principal, Declan Sheridan, who lauded his remarkable achievements, saying, ’The school is very proud of Kalya’s achievements’’.
