http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Sri_lankans_in_new_york_commemorate_fallen_war_heroes_20120520_03

Sri Lankans in New York commemorate fallen War Heroes

(Senaka Senaviratne from New York)

Sri Lankan expatriates in New York held celebrations to mark the 3rd Anniversary of liberating Sri Lanka from the three decade long terror grip and invoke blessings on all who had made the supreme sacrifice while defending the motherland, on Saturday May 19, 2012.

The event was organized as a multi cultural multi religious ceremony and was attended by a very large gathering of Sri Lankan expatriates of all ethnic, religious and political backgrounds living in the Tri-State area.

In spite of their busy lifestyles, the attendees took time off from their schedules on this beautiful Saturday with a very mild Spring weather, to show their gratitude to the Sri Lankan Heroes who had sacrificed their lives in liberating the motherland.

The event started at around 7.15 pm. A two minute silence was observed honouring all those who had sacrificed their lives in the creation of a United and a Peaceful Sri Lanka. Then Dr. Palitha Kohona, The Ambassador and the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, welcomed all participants. Another warm welcome was followed by the Chief incumbent of the New York Buddhist Vihara, Ven Kurunegoda Piyathissa Nayaka Thero.

The Punyanumodana and Pen Weedeema were conducted invoking blessings to all members of SL Security Forces who sacrificed their lives, and also to the innocent civilians who immensely suffered from the atrocities of the LTTE Terrorists by Ven Hungampola Sirirathana Nayaka Thero. Yet, another unique feature, which was much in line with the Buddhist Philosophy of spreading Metta even to the enemies, was conducted invoking blessings to the deceased terror carders too. They were also the children of the Sri Lankan Nation, but unfortunately misguided or forcibly recruited. Perhaps, this was the first time in the world where a Ranaviru Religious event invoked blessings to the deceased terror cadres as well.

Similarly, Christian, Hindu, and Islam priests who were specially invited to the New York Buddhist Temple, conducted their Religious sermons respectively, invoking blessings to all those who sacrificed their precious lives in the Unity of Sri Lanka.

In his vote of thanks, Maj Gen Shavendra Silva, the Ambassador and the Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, sincerely thanked all the organizers who took troubles for not only organizing such a well balanced event to mark the 3rd Anniversary of liberating Sri Lanka from brutal terrorism and invoke blessings on all members of the Sri Lanka Security Forces who had made the supreme sacrifice, but also for engaging in and helping the motherland at every step of the way on a continuous basis. He also warned that, although Terrorism had been defeated locally in Sri Lanka, there are many elements worldwide trying to undermine the hard earned Peace in Sri Lanka.

Patriotic Sri Lankans in the Region presented a Plaque in recognition of Maj Gen Shavendra Silva's outstanding service to the People and the Nation of Sri Lanka.

The event was concluded with a candle light vigil by all attendees, who placed a candle on the special candle racks outside the Temple, marking their eternal gratitude for the members of the Sri Lanka Security Forces who had made the supreme sacrifice to defend Sri Lanka. The organizers had also arranged a light Dinner to all participants.