He was a former Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and a United National Party activist after retirement.

He was appointed first commanding officer of the 4th Battalion, Gemunu Watch on 27 December 1985 and served till 31 October 1986.

In 1989, he served as deputy to Major General Cecil Waidyaratne in Operation Combine which effectively subdued the Insurrection 1987-89.

[1] Algama held several key posts in the army including commander of Security Forces Headquarters East (SF HQ (E)) and was responsible for enabling the government to hold elections in the eastern province in 1993.

According to some eyewitness accounts, the suspected suicide bomber had moved in the direction of Algama and triggered off the explosion.