[1] Balthazar joined the newly formed Ceylon Army, received his basic officer training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

In 1961, Captain Balthazar lead the second Ceylon Army peace keeping contingent to the United Nations Operation in the Congo.

He was an active athlete, competing in Putt Shot, Discus Throw and Javelin at regimental, Defence Services and National Champions.

He was successful in killing Tamil militant leader Charles Lucas Anthony aka Seelan on 15 July 1983.

This incident sparked the Black July riots and is considered to be the start of the Sri Lankan Civil War.