May 19 is Remembrance Day: Rajitha

16 May 2015 04:24 am - 25 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The new government has decided to declare May 19 as Remembrance Day instead of Victory Day as it named by the previous regime, Government Spokesman and Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne

He said May 19, which was for the past five years was celebrated as "Victory Day" by the Rajapaksa regime, would be observed as "Remembrance Day" to mark the sacrifices made by all those, who irrespective of their ethnicity, safeguarded the unity and territorial integrity of the country and it will also be a day to remember those who died during the 30-year armed conflict.

“The main ‘Remembrance Day’ ceremony event will be held at Samudra Mawatha in Matara and will be a special gesture to move further towards reconciliation among all communities in Sri Lanka. Since the end of the armed conflict which ended with the defeat of the LTTE on May 19, 2009, the previous regime celebrated this day as a day of triumph by the armed forces against terrorism,” the minister. “There will be a military parade under the patronage of the President Maithripala Sirisena as Commander-In-Chief. It will be a War Heroes’ Commemoration Day as well as a civilian Remembrance Day.”

He said the government had laid the ground work for true reconciliation and communal harmony by releasing the original lands of residence to their rightful owners and restoring civil administration and good governance in the North.

“This is why the so-called Tamil diaspora is silent now there being nothing to crow about. Neither do you hear about their activities against Sri Lanka. Northern Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran and TNA members welcome and attend any function attended by President Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe or any other minister when they visit the North. The TNA not like in the past, it cooperates with the government in parliament and participates in debates and vote with enthusiasm. They respect the national flag and the national anthem. Parliament has turned out to be a lovely place by these positive developments. The reconciliation and the peace initiative of the government have paid dividends,” the minister said.

He said despite all these confidence-building measures by the government, a few TNA members of the Northern Provincial Council have announced they would mark the week May 13 to 19 as the "genocidal week" to commemorate the Tamils including the LTTE cadres, who died during the armed conflict.
Public Administration, Local Government, Democratic Governance and Budahsasana Minister Karu Jayasuriya warned the people to desist from holding such events for the LTTE cadres.

"The Government will in no way permit anyone to commemorate the LTTE which was a terrorist group," he said and added that terrorism would not be allowed to raise its head again.

He said there were some mischievious elements who wanted to misuse the democratic freedom now prevailing in the country.

Meanwhile, North DIG G.K. Perera told Daily Mirror the police have been placed on high alert in the North to prevent any glorification of dead terrorists.
“We have information that there will be religious ceremonies in Hindu Kovils on Tuesday to remember the dead. We don’t want to disrupt religious activities but if they attempt to commemorate terrorists who died in the separatist war, we would have to take appropriate action to prevent it because commemorating the members of a prohibited terrorist organisation is against the law of the land,” the DIG said.(Sandun A Jayasekera)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 25

asiri Saturday, 16 May 2015 11:38 AM

shame about who does not know about..... victory. thats why srilankans are shortsighted. via DM Android App

Vasa Monday, 18 May 2015 11:11 AM

A well thought of and a waited ,wise move towards genuine reconciliation and lasting peace.security in the country is through unity,

Vasa Monday, 18 May 2015 11:04 AM

Well thought of and a weighted decision.The way forward towards genuine reconciliation lasting peace.security of a country is assured when there is unity.

Bubble Banda Sunday, 17 May 2015 07:56 PM

Hay man Suren, you should take treatment at Angoda.

Horri Jimonis Sunday, 17 May 2015 07:54 PM

MR is no more, he is dead and gone...

Bubble Banda Sunday, 17 May 2015 07:49 PM

Suren is also a nutty like MR. No need to explain foolish people and its a waste of time. SF only brought victory over LTTE not an Alli Baba.

Sylvia Haik Saturday, 16 May 2015 02:44 PM

Well said Sammy. My sentiments exactly.

Eng.M.V.R.Perera Saturday, 16 May 2015 01:57 PM

Field Marshall S, F should also be a special invitee in this occasion

Harry Dilon Saturday, 16 May 2015 01:21 PM

While I am not a supporter of the LTTE or terrorism, one must admit the fact that terrorism was born in Sri Lanka due to the discrimination imposed upon the minority Tamils. Several Tamil youth gave their life in the interest of their land and language. Once again its being imposed upon them NOT to celebrate the loss of life. In English it is called Memorial.

manelfons Saturday, 16 May 2015 12:48 PM

A very good decision by this government. This was a kind of civil war and it is totally unfeeling to celebrate military victories over the bodies of dead compatriots.

Prema Saturday, 16 May 2015 12:07 PM

Very correct.we must remembered all dead due terrorist actions and innocent public who died during counter attacks.Last regime even not genuinely remembered the Armed Forces who sacrifices the life and limps but use the occasion for mere political gain.What happen in the past has already happen and should erased the sad memories , from our minds, learn the lessons out of it and act wisely not to repeat same and also take every effort to live together in peace and harmony as true brothers and sisters of mother Srilanka

Fazel Saturday, 16 May 2015 12:01 PM

Very Good move towards reconciliation. All the best!!!!!!!!!!!

chaaminda Saturday, 16 May 2015 11:54 AM

Rataka Abhimanaya peechan kireemak. Dekata namenna epa hallo me tharam . Sinhalese still more than 70% in SL

Aruni Saturday, 16 May 2015 10:07 AM

How do we celebrate the cease of exploding bombs throughout the country with "remembrance" after May 19th, 2009? Otherwise how do we pay respect to those soldiers who were not dead in the war?

iemerald Saturday, 16 May 2015 11:39 AM

SIR?YOU CRAZY OR WHAT?CALLING THIS GARBAGE SIR.

iemerald Saturday, 16 May 2015 11:37 AM

IDIOT (PEADO SUPPORTER)UK HAS VE (VICTORY EUROPE ) DAY FOR DEFEATING NAZIS.SRI LANKA HAS VICTORY DAY FOR DEFEATING (NAZI STYLE) LTTE TERRORISTS.SIMPLE.

Mason Saturday, 16 May 2015 11:26 AM

Good move by the government. Trust the TNA will appreciate and join the ceremony.

MilkyWay Saturday, 16 May 2015 11:25 AM

Well said Sir, you are my Hero. You and my great and simple President make me proud.

Suren Saturday, 16 May 2015 11:09 AM

Where is your brain? True SF led the military troops but without political leadership, you think SF could have done what he was able to do? At least learn to give credit where it is due. MR deserves credit together with SF for bringing the war to an end.

Prem Nath Saturday, 16 May 2015 11:02 AM

True SF and the brave soldiers brought home the victory but this would not have been possible if not for MR.who made the decision,as the head of State and commander of the armed forces to finish this once and for all.There were other Presidents and Prime ministers who did nothing to bring peace or otherwise.

Desmond Jeromme Saturday, 16 May 2015 10:58 AM

SF should be honored on that "Rememberance Day" Sir, this will be a good blow for MR who praises that he brought victory over LTTE.

Kiris Baba Amaray Saturday, 16 May 2015 10:55 AM

Whatever the robber MR did should be changed, We cannot allow dictatorship anymore. Well done Rajitha putha.

Desmond Jeromme Saturday, 16 May 2015 10:50 AM

Sir, you are correct. MR did not bring us victory over LTTE, it is only SF and his troops.

Piumi Saturday, 16 May 2015 10:33 AM

Yes correct, no one can promote or remember terrorists in your land.

Sammy Saturday, 16 May 2015 10:17 AM

This is a most wise and welcome decision. It is not just in Sri Lanka that terrorists had been defeated but the day is not celebrated as Victory Day in other countries. This is not a war won against an invading country but defeat of internal terrorism, just as much as defeat of insurgency in early 1970s and late 1980s. Many innocent lives of all ethnicities had been sacrificed, standing up for democracy. Of course, those in the armed forces who fought to defeat terrorism, should be honoured.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

May 19 is Remembrance Day: Rajitha

Comments - 25

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

April 15 declared a government holiday

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Debt Restructuring Talks: Bondholders Fear Regime Change Impact

Don’t be deceived by NPP and Cardinal Ranjith: UNP

Emirates halts check-in for connections, UL cancels flights to Dubai

Plans afoot to obtain “Blue Flag Beaches” certification for SL beaches

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings