NATIONAL WAR HEROES DAY (June 7), which this year coincided with the annual Poson Poya Day that marked the onset of a new Sri Lankan culture was commemorated on a grand scale at the War Hero monument at Parliamentary complex this evening, President Mahinda Rajapaksa gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.
National War Heroes Day, an annual feature, organized by Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA) commemorates some 24,000 War Heroes of Tri-services and the Police who laid their lives for the sake of the country during the war that spanned over 30 years.
The programme of the national ceremony commenced with arrival of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the venue. President, RSA Major General Palitha Fernando (retd) after welcoming the Chief Guest accompanied him to the special dais. Speaker W.J.M Lokubandara, Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donal Perera, Commander of the Army General Sarath Fonseka, Commander of the Navy Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, Commander of the Air Force Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathilake, Inspector General of Police Mr. Jayantha Wickramarathne, and hundreds of next of kin of soldiers who sacrificed their lives and turned disable were among the participants. All those present stood in attention afterwards as the National anthem was sung instilling pride and patriotism at the beginning of the event.
A two-minute silence was then observed in memory of fallen heroes after the RSA President delivered the welcome speech.
The oriental band of the Sri Lanka Army rent the air with the theme song of the RSA before the clergy representing all four major religious denominations conducted religious observances.
Then the President, Speaker, Secretary Defence, Military Chiefs and the IGP walked up to the War Memorial and paid floral tributes to War Heroes of contemporary times who sacrificed their today for our tomorrow.
Later, Tri Forces and Police Commandos played “Rana Bera” in honour of War Heroes and added valor to the occasion.
Mr. Manjula Perera, RSA project officer raised the vote of thanks. Blowing of “Retreat” marked the culmination of the day’s programme.
Coinciding with the final main National event, similar ceremonies had been organized at provincial level with participation of respective Governors, members of the Armed Forces and the Police and their families.
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