War veterans remembered
May 19, 2021The 12th National War Heroes commemoration ceremony was held at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte under the auspices of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the country’s 5th Executive President and Hon. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa a short while ago today (May 19).
Accordingly all the war veterans who made the supreme sacrifice over the fight against ruthless terrorists before the May 2009 were respectfully remembered for their heroic deeds during the ceremony.
The day’s programme of National War Heroes commemoration organized by the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RVSA) held under the direct supervision of the Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) also showcased the recital of the national anthem, two-minutes’ silence remembering the fallen war heroes and reading the citation of bravery.
Vigil mounting followed by floral tributes to the monument and the aerial shower of flowers were in place while adhering to the stipulated healthcare guidelines.
“Moving beyond the practice of annual commemoration, we are now committed to take care of the families’ of War Heroes during their lifetime”, stated RVSA Acting Chairperson Sonia Kottegoda in her welcome address.
Their families underwent immense pressure and suffered sacrifices to usher the peace to the country which was engulfed in terror.
RVSA Acting Chairperson also wished that the public would light a traditional oil lamp in every house and plant tree saplings in the same vein to symbolize the National War Heroes commemoration.
Coinciding the day of nationally significance, Tri-Forces officers and soldiers eligible for their promotion were also elevated to the respective ranks by the President Rajapaksa.
Speaker of the Parliament Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Government Ministers, Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Parliamentarians, Western Province Governor and Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunatilleke, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, Tri-Forces Commanders, Inspector General of Police, Director General of Civil Security Department, families of fallen heroes and a limited number of distinguished invitees were also present at the event held under the healthcare guidelines.
