Commander unveils cenotaph to honour Fallen Heroes

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Commander unveils cenotaph to honour Fallen Heroes

First ever war heroes monument in Eastern Security Force Command area to honour the valiant soldiers who have laid down their lives fighting the separatist terrorist in the 30 year prolonged war was declared open by the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on 28th August in Minneriya amidst a gathering of many distinguished guests and family members of war heroes.
The monument erected in a scenic site in the vicinity of the historic Minneriya Tank will be of reminiscence to all who travels to East through Minneriya, of the sacrifices made by the heroic soldiers in defending the integrity of the motherland.
The Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya was warmly welcomed by the Commandant of the Infantry Training Centre Minneriya, Brigadier Asoka Amuugama on arrival and ushered to the seat which was followed by a brief welcome speech by Brigadier Amunugama.
Thereafter the Chief Guest was accompanied to the monument where he unveiled the monument and a granite plaque with the engravings stating that the monument was declared open in honour of the Fallen Heroes who fought bravely to conquer the ruthless terrorists.
Commander of the Army paying his respect to the fallen heroes placed a wreath of flowers at the monument and saluted which was followed by the senior officers of the tri forces and police paying their floral tribute. Immediately after, beloved family members of fallen War Heroes paid their respect. They knelt down at the foot of the monument and went on shedding tears while laying bouquets of fragrant flowers. It was a solemn moment of memory.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya illuminated the magnificent cenotaph as a mark of respect to the War Heroes. Then followed the military traditions as the Last Post, honouring their memory was heralded by buglers which marked the ending of the ceremony.