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Fallen war heroes commemorated at Battaramulla 'Ranaviru' Monument

Nation yesterday evening, (19 May) commemorated conveying its deep reverence for fallen war heroes of the armed forces and the Police, who made supreme sacrifices for the motherland at the cenotaph (Ranaviru Monument) at Battaramulla Parliament ground.

The event was organized by Ranaviru Seva Authority (RVSA) under the auspices of Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, and with the participation of spouses, children, parents and next of kin of fallen war heroes.

H.E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa participated as the chief guest of the event.

Recital of the National Anthem joined by all attendees as the first item on the agenda honoured the motherland.

Mrs. Padma Wettewa, inaugurating the formal commemorative ceremony as the Chairperson, RVSA welcomed the Chief Guest and all the other invitees.

A two-minute silence in memory of fallen war heroes was then observed before religious observances of major denominations got underway. Brief orations of Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Christian denominations afterwards invoked blessings and merits on fallen War Heroes and all defenders of the nation.

Then President Rajapaksa, in the company of Mrs. Wettewa placed the first floral wreath at the Ranaviru memorial and paid his respect while bagpipe music rent the air. Speaker, Governers, Ministers, Secretary Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Army, Navy, Air Force Commanders, the IGP and Mrs. Padma Wettewa proceeded to the War Hero cenotaph in succession and laid floral wreaths, in remembrance of fallen war heroes. Spouses of several slain ground commanders and service chiefs and beloved next of kin of fallen war heroes followed suit.

Then followed the military traditions. As the Last Post honouring their memory was sounded by trumpeters of the armed forces and the Police. Towards the final leg of the programme, The Reveille beamed marking the culmination of the formal ceremony.