Thousands of Security Forces, Police and Civil Security Department personnel who laid their supreme sacrifice for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the nation were commemorated at the Victory Day Commemoration at the War Heroes Memorial at Battaramulla under the patronage of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday (18).
Sri Lanka defeated terrorism and brought peace to the country on May 19, 2009, ending a brutal war that prevailed for over three decades. A large number War Heroes laid down their lives for the Motherland and were maimed during the battle with terrorists.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the victory over LTTE terrorism that lasted for three decades. A total of 28,619 War Heroes from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police and Civil Security Department (CSD) sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the Motherland, while over twenty-seven thousand War Heroes were rendered disabled. The ceremony was a proud expression of the nation’s gratitude towards these brave individuals.
The ceremony began with the playing of the National Anthem, followed by a two-minute silence observed by the President, the Prime Minister and others in honour of the fallen War Heroes.
The event commenced with religious observances and a special war drumming performance, paying tribute to the courageous personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, and CSD who sacrificed their lives to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The commemoration ceremony was organised by the Ranaviru Seva Authority.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, Minister of State for Defence Pramita Bandara Thennakoon, other ministers, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary of Defence, Commanders of the three Armed Forces, Inspector General of Police, Director General of Civil Service Department, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, former Commanders of the three Armed Forces, War Heroes and members of War Heroes’ families paid their respects to the fallen war heroes by laying flowers at the War Heroes Memorial.