War Heroes Honored
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. The event was organized by the Rana Viru
Seva Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence and urban
development.
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 1 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.
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 1 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 Prime Minister DM Jayaratna, President’s Secretary
Lalith Weerathunga, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban
Development Gotabaya Rajapaksha, Chief of Defence Staff General Jagath
Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake,
Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Commander of the
Air Force Air Marshal Kolitha Gunathilleke and the Inspector General of
Police IB Ilankoon.
Parents, wives and children of the fallen who were present on this occasion 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.
Parents, wives and children of the fallen who were present on this occasion 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.