National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony held under the patronage of H.E. the President
 

The National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony 2017 held at the War Heroes Monument in Battaramulla under the patronage of H.E. the President, Maithripala Sirisena this evening (19). Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne was also present on the occasion.

This year’s ceremony organized by the Ranaviru Seva Authority under the theme ‘Distinguished felicitation for the dedication shown towards the secured forward march of mother Sri Lanka’ was held for the 8th successive time.

After the religious observances, H.E. the President offered floral tributes at the War Heroes Monument in memory of the supreme sacrifice made by the fallen service personnel. Honourable ministers, dignitaries, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, tri - force commanders, Director General Civil Security Department and rest of the distinguished guests followed suit.

The spouse of late Admiral Clancy Fernando, the first ever Service Commander assassinated during the hostilities, was also present on this occasion and she made floral tributes at the war heroes monument. Representing the Sri Lanka Navy, 110 members from KIA / MIA families and disabled War Heroes participated in this national ceremony.

Addressing the nation H.E. the President, hailed the commendable role played by the war heroes in bringing lasting peace for the motherland and mentioned of the wide range of welfare projects being implemented by the government to uplift their standard of living. Making a special remark on the Sri Lanka Navy, the President highly praise the efforts of the Navy in combating the drug menace through round the clock surveillance in the sea and within the country.

Meanwhile, he also went on to mention the contributions of tri services in disaster response by coming to the rescue of the general public. Finally, H.E. the President paid his gratitude once again to all war heroes who contributed to the preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty of the island nation.

The event was also attended by Venerable Maha Sangha, other religious dignitaries, senior officials from the Ranaviru Seva Authority, tri services, Police and Civil Security Department, other ranks and a large number of public.