'Lest we forget’ our fallen heroes
November 12, 2023His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremesinghe laid floral tributes at the Cenotaph war memorial in Vihara Mahadevi Park yesterday (Nov 11) during the observance of Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2023, organized by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA).
State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne also joined the President to pay tribute to the valiant soldiers who bravely sacrificed their lives for the nation’s security, including those who perished during World War I and II.
During the ceremony, President Ranil Wickremesinghe unveiled the special centenary commemorative plaque at the War Heroes Memorial and launched a special commemorative stamp and first-day cover commemorating the Cenotaph’s 100th anniversary.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the State Minister for Media Hon. Shantha Bandara, Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Western Province Governor Marshal of the Air Roshan Gunatillake, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karnnagoda, President of SLESA Major General Upul Perera (retired), Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne, Air Force Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Sampath Wickramaratne and senior officers of the SLESA.
