President to lead National War Heroes Commemoration ceremony

Colombo, May 19 (Daily Mirror) - The 17th National War Heroes Commemoration ceremony to honor military personnel who sacrificed their lives to liberate the motherland from decades of terrorism, is scheduled to commence today at 3:00 PM at the Ranaviru Memorial in Battaramulla under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The event was organised by the Ranaviru Seva Authority to commemorate the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces during the country’s conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which ended 17 years ago on May 18, 2009, after more than three decades of armed conflict.

According to the Ranaviru Seva Authority, this year’s ceremony will be significant as, for the first time, families of fallen Tamil and Muslim war heroes from the Northern and Eastern provinces are expected to participate in the national commemoration event.

Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera said necessary arrangements have been finalised for the National War Heroes Day (Ranaviru Day) ceremony.

Tri-forces personnel conducted rehearsals at the venue yesterday to finalise preparations for the solemn occasion .

Nearly 2,769 individuals are expected to attend the official ceremony, including senior military officials and personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Special Task Force (STF), Civil Security Department, and National Cadet Corps.

They will gather alongside the families and invited dignitaries to pay their respects. Th Authorities said that 160 parents of fallen heroes have been invited to participate in the main commemorative event .

Speaking to the media, the Deputy Minister said the event is to honour the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces in eradicating terrorism from the country. He also expressed the nation’s gratitude to fallen and injured military personnel.

Jayasekera further said the Government has prioritised addressing concerns and unresolved issues faced by war heroes and their families. He said systematic measures are being implemented under the direct guidance of the President to ensure the continued welfare and support to military families.

Responding to questions regarding commemorative events in the Northern Province, the Deputy Minister said that remembrance activities are taking place across the island at district and divisional secretariat levels, in addition to programmes organised by veteran associations and community groups.