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

The National War Heroes' Day 2020 was held under the auspices of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the War Heroes’ Monument in Battaramulla on 19^th May 2020. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva was also present on the occasion.

This year's ceremony marks the 11th successive year and it was organized by the Ranaviru Seva Authority. The ceremony was conducted with the participation of only most required personnel, considering the epidemic situation in the country. Accordingly, Religious dignitaries of all faiths, Hon. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministers, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, Governor of the Western Province Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilaka, Chiefs of the Tri Forces and the family members of war heroes fallen and missing in action were present on the occasion.

Having conducted formalities of all religious faiths, His Excellency the President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Hon. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Former President Hon. Mithreepala Sirisena, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, Governor of the Western Province Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilaka, Secretary to the President Dr. PB Jayasundara, Secretary Defence Major General (Rtd) Kamal Gunarathna, Acting Chief of Defence Staff, Tri Forces Commanders, Chairman Ranaviru Seva Authority, other dignitaries and members from war hero families offered floral tributes in memory of their beloved ones.

Addressing the occasion, the President paid his merits and commended the invaluable service and the commitment rendered by War Heroes and their family members in defeating the cruel terrorism to bring a long lasting peace for the country where civilians can benefit their human rights and freedom for living in harmony. Further, he mentioned that it is the duty of the nation to pay the tribute and to remember the war heroes who fought for a long time in sake of the peace in the motherland.