Annual ‘Poppy Day’ ceremony to be held on 24 November
under the patronage of the President
November 21, 2024
The annual ‘Poppy Day’ ceremony, organized by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) and its Armed Forces Commemorative Poppy Committee, is to be held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake with the participation of distinguished guests at the Cenotaph in Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo, on November 24.
‘Poppy Day’ commemorations are held worldwide to honour fallen war heroes and disabled veterans since the end of the First World War. It is a tradition to hold this commemoration in November every year.
The SLESA was established in 1944 with the aim of maintaining camaraderie, amity and brotherhood among retired members of the Sri Lankan armed forces. At present, there are 44 sub-associations island-wide under the SLESA Armed Forces Commemorative Poppy Committee and one committee each in the United Kingdom and Australia. The SLESA has about 50,000 retired Tri-Forces personnel as members.
Poppy flowers, garlands and stickers are sold in conjunction with the annual Poppy Day. The general public can extend support by purchasing poppy flowers and garlands. The income thus obtained will be fully utilized for the welfare of retired war heroes.
A large number of welfare projects are being implemented with the proceeds from the sale of poppy commemorative flowers. Currently, two veterans’ homes are being maintained in Katana and Katugasthota where about 30 deserving veterans are provided shelter and care. In addition, financial assistance is provided for medical treatments, surgeries or any other medical needs, including obtaining eyeglasses and hearing aids. It also provides assistance to its members affected by natural disasters.
It also provides loan facilities of up to five lakh rupees at a concessional interest rate, repayable in five years. Further, it conducts self-employment training programmes, scholarship programmes and provides employment opportunities for the children of the members through a job bank. In addition, arrangements have also been made to start an insurance system for the members in the future.
The income generated from the sale of poppy flowers contributes significantly to all these welfare projects. Hence, the SLESA and the Armed Forces Commemorative Poppy Committee request the public to contribute generously.