Snowy was born on 2 March 2004 at the Commando Regiment Headquarters in Ganemulla, and began training in September of that year under his handler Lance corporal D.H.P. Sampath under the supervision of Captain Vimukthi Jayasinghe. Snowy's first deployment was to the Jaffna peninsula. In 2006, he was credited with discovering a hidden ammunition dump in Neduntheevu, and finding an LTTE safehouse and weapons cache at the University of Jaffna. Snowy also helped track down suspects during several bomb attacks in the Jaffna area. In 2007 he was engaged in the Battle of Thoppigala, helping Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol units track down fleeing LTTE units. Snowy also assisted commandos in a successful ambush at Morawewa. He went on to successfully track down an LTTE infiltration unit that attacked the Thalgasmankada military detachment inside the Yala National Park.
Welioya action and injury
On 14 March 2008 at 3.30 pm, a six-man LTTE infiltration unit of the Jeyanthan Brigade, ambushed troops attached to the 5 Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry in Nikawewa near Welioya. A soldier was injured but troops managed to repel the attack. During subsequent search operations troops recovered a body of an LTTE cadre. Receiving the news, Sri Lanka army command decided to get the assistance of tracking dogs to locate the remaining LTTE cadres. On 15 March, “Snowy” and “Bonnie”, handled by Lance Corporal D.H.P. Sampath and Lance Corporal G.S. Priyankara, arrived at 223 brigade headquarters in Welioya. They departed with an eight-man team from the delta squadron of 2 Sri Lanka Army Special Forces Regiment and another eight man team from 5 Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry. Snowy was leading the search using the scent of recovered objects left behind by the infiltration unit. Two eight man teams were on the flanks with “Bonnie”, the other tracking dog, to the rear. Around 3.45 pm Snowy suddenly charged a bush where an LTTE cadre was hiding. After firing several shots LTTE cadre exploded a grenade injuring both Snowy and his handler. Despite his wounds Snowy continued with his search, but realizing the gravity of the injuries Lance Corporal Priyankara withdrew Snowy to get medical assistance.
Recovery and death
Snowy was first taken to Anuradhapura and later transferred to Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Peradeniya, via ambulance. Around 11 pm he arrived at Peradeniya where a team of surgeons led by Professor Indira Silva was waiting. Eleven pieces of shrapnel were detected in his body damaging the lungs and bowels, and lodged close to his heart. Snowy's brother “Pet” provided matching blood which transfused to Snowy. Meanwhile, troops from 4th commando unit videotaped Snowy's handler sending his greetings and wishes to Snowy and dispatched it to Peradeniya Hospital, so that Snowy could hear his master's voice and see his face. Gradually Snowy's injuries healed, but due to resulting disabilities he never returned to active duty and remained at Ganemulla Commando Regiment Headquarters. Snowy died on 24 May 2011 while recuperating.
Rana Wickrama Padakkama
Snowy received the Rana Wickrama Padakkama for his contributions in battle, the first military dog to receive such an honour in Sri Lanka.
