President Chief Guest in the National War Heroes' Day at Battaramulla

Commemorating the heroics of armed force personnel, the National War Heroes' Day 2019 was held under the auspices of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena at the War Heroes’ Monument in Battaramulla today (19^th May 2019). The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva was also present on the occasion.

This year's ceremony was held for the 10^th successive year. Having conducted formalities of all religious faiths, His Excellency the President, Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Leader of the Opposition Hon. State Minister for Defence, dignitaries, Chief of Defence Staff, Army, Navy and Air Force Commanders, Director General of the Civil Security Department, distinguished invitees and members from war hero families offered floral tributes in memory of their beloved ones.

The beloved spouse of Admiral Clancy Fernando, the senior most Naval officer who sacrificed his life for the motherland and the family members of Naval war heroes were also present on this occasion.

Addressing the occasion, the President paid his merits and commended the invaluable services rendered by War Heroes in defeating the 30 years cruel terrorism to bring a long lasting peace for the country. Further, he mentioned that he takes this opportunity to express his deepest sympathies for the local and foreign people who died at the terrorist attack on last 21^st April breaking peace and harmony enjoyed by people for about 10 years, after a cruel 30 years war experiences. Also, he paid his gratitude for the commitment rendered by war heroes to build unity and the territorial integrity of the country and also admired the tiresome service fulfilled by the Tri Forces and the Police in the events of national disastrous situations.