Fallen War Heroes Commemorated
The main War Hero Commemoration Ceremony was held at the War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (Parliament Green) under the patronage of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa with the participation of Ranaviru family members today evening (19th May).
President Mahinda Rajapaksa who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest was warmly received by the Chairperson of Rana Viru Seva Authority (RVSA) Mrs. Padma Wettewa and accompanied to the venue. Hon. Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, Provincial Ministers, Governors, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa and foreign dignitaries were also graced the landmark event.
Delivering the welcome address RVSA Chairperson Mrs. Wettewa requested from general public to join this noble event by lighting an oil lamp in respective house premises to coincide the agenda.
The commemoration ceremony was inaugurated observing one minute silence in memory of fallen war heroes and followed religious observances, floral wreath-laying, lamp lightings and offering of customary military honours.
President Rajapaksa placed the initial floral wreath at the invitation of the RVSA Chairperson. Accordingly Prime Minister, Ministers, Governors, Secretary Defence, Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri-Forces Commanders, IGP and Mrs. Wettewa were also proceeded respectively to the War Hero cenotaph in succession and laid floral wreaths. Subsequently, spouses of assassinated ground commanders and service chiefs were accompanied to the cenotaph.
The rhythmic beat of the traditional Jaya Bera evinced the pride of the nation and the concluding symbolic reverberations of the Last Post depicted the heroic deeds of the fallen war heroes.
Family members and relatives paid tribute to the beloved War Heroes while laying floral wreaths and lighting oil lamps. Entire event saw a large gathering of war hero families and the President Rajapksa was also seen exchanging pleasantries with them during the session.
Provincial commemoration ceremonies had also been conducted similarly as announced by the RVSA. The month between 02nd May and 02nd June 2014 has been declared as the National War Hero Commemoration month and a series of events were also held to coincide with the War Hero Commemoration. Initially Ranaviru (War Hero) Flag was pinned onto His Excellency the President at the launching of this year's War Heroes Commemoration Month on 02nd May at the Temple Trees". In addition, all Sri Lankans celebrated the fifth anniversary of the victory in a grand parade in Matara yesterday.
Heads of State Agencies, Foreign Diplomats, VIPs, and large number distinguished invitees were also present at the event.
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