Concerned and grateful members of the public in Magalkanda, Maggona immortalized the sacrifices of tri-service War Heroes of the Beruwala electorate by erecting a unique monument, jointly with members of the Kudamagalkanda Buddhist Association and the Janadiriya Sahana Seva Padanama.

The project, initiated and funded by two members of the Kudamagalkanda Buddhist Association, Messrs D. Nayana Kumara and S.M Chandana, voluntarily, venerates the memory of all tri-service personnel of the area by engraving a photo of each departed War Hero on the special Beruwala monument.

Sculptor, Nayana Kumara who has done the architecture and the design of the creation, has spent Rs. 2 lakhs together with his friend, S.M Chandana of the area for its construction.

Organizers of the opening ceremony invited Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army to unveil the monument with about 40 photos of fallen War Heroes, affixed to the cenotaph on Monday (18) and honour their memory in the presence of a large gathering of Buddhist monks and members of the public, including, those of the two organizations in the area.

Monday’s monument unveiling ceremony, presided by Ven. Kosgoda Sri Vimala Nayaka Thero and Ven. Magalkande Dhammakiththi Thero of Magalkanda Paramachetiyarama Purana Vihara saw next of kin of those fallen War Heroes in Beruwala area pay their respect soon after the Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest for the occasion unveiled it following brief Anusasanas (orations), delivered by leading Buddhist monks.

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya as the day’s proceedings were drawing to a close, spoke to each and every relative of fallen War Heroes present there and shared a couple of views with them. He was equally keen on finding any pending grievances or unresolved issues, connected to them or their families. The Chief Guest before his departure from the venue shared a few thoughts with the sculptor too and thanked him for his creativity and initiatives.

The Chief Guest was received on arrival at the venue by members of the Buddhist Association and the organizers of the brief ceremony.

Divisional Secretary for Beruwala, state officials, parents, relatives and children of fallen War Heroes, tri-service officers, school children and several invitees attended the occasion.