http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/05/28/sec02.asp

Salute to War Heroes
Sandasen MARASINGHE
Flags of various colours fluttered as the ocean winds blew across the Galle Face Green reminding us of what President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that people in this country will never forget the supreme sacrifice made by the War Heroes for the unity of the Motherland.
The Galle Face Green was decked with national flags to celebrate the second anniversary of the elimination of the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world and to pay the nation’s gratitude to the War Heroes.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa followed by the Chief of Defence Staff Roshan Gunatilleke and the Service Commanders were the first to arrive for the Victory Day anniversary celebrations. IGP Mahinda Balasuriya was also present.
The motorcade accompanying President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa escorted by Mounted Police arrived at the venue at 8.45 am, amidst the blowing of trumpets.
Thereafter, the President was accompanied to the main flag post by the Chief of Defence Staff, three Service Commanders and Inspector General of Police for the hoisting of the National Flag amidst the beating of Magul Bera. A group of service personnel attached to the three Forces and the Police sang the national anthem.
The President was then conducted to the special dais where the fallen heroes were remembered by observing two-minutes silence. A 21 gun salute was accorded to the President who inspected the Victory Parade consisting of 760 officers and 8760 other rankers from the three forces, Police and the Civil Defence Force. The colorful parade commanded by Killinochchi Security Forces Commander Major General Nandana Udawatte followed. The parade included the service personnel of Army, Air Force, Navy, Police and Civil Security Force and the military equipment used during the humanitarian operation.
Naval craft including Dvora boats and other navy ships were on show in parallel to the SLN parade. Air craft of the Air Force transport squadron, helicopter squadron, fighter jet squadron, MIG 27 squadron, MI 24 squadron and UAVs were also in action.
The sight of the parading service personnel who were disabled during the operation to defeat terrorism brought a tear to the eyes of many. All the spectators paid a standing ovation to the disabled war heroes who paraded before them while the kindergartenschool children proudly waved national flags.