HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksha as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force paid his respects to all members of the Armed Forces and Police who made the supreme sacrifice in the name of the Nation at the Ranaviru Statue at Parliament grounds on the evening of the 19th of May 2012. The event was organized by the Rana Viru Seva Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence.

The singing of the National anthem started the evening’s simple ceremony. Mrs Padma Wettewa, Chairperson, Ranaviru Seva Authority delivered a short speech of welcome which was followed by observing 2 minutes of silence. This was followed by Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian religious activities to invoke blessings on those who have departed and on those who are still serving in the Armed Forces and Police.

HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksha saluted the war heroes by placing a floral wreath in front of the Ranaviru Memorial. It was followed by the Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksha, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Somathileke Dissanayaka, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama and the IGP of Police NK Illangakoon.

Parents, wives and children of the fallen were present on this occasion too.  The children of the Ranaviru paid a touching tribute by offering an “Aloka Poojawa” in memory of their lost fathers and mothers.

The ceremony ended with the traditional final salute to the fallen; the playing of the Last Post by buglers of the tri services.