Fallen SLLI War Heroes Remembered in Solemn Ceremony

Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) War Heroes’ commemoration day was observed Saturday (22) afternoon near the state-of-the-art War Heroes’ monument inside the SLLI Regimental Headquarter at Panagoda, giving pride of place to religious observances.

The War Heroes’ commemoration commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Colonel of the SLLI Regiment, Major General Amal Karunasekara amid reverberating Ranabera rhythms.

The singing of the National Anthem kicked of the day’s solemn ceremony. Observances of the two minute silence in honour of fallen SLLI War Heroes lead to the brief welcome speech of the Center Commandant of SLLI, Brigadier M.M Kithsiri.

Religious observances of Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic denominations set in afterwards as everybody joined standing in silence.

A special War Hero tribute was also read out at the same occasion after the religious segment. An all-night Pirith chanting and a parade were also held to coincide with the occasion.

Colonel of the Regiment, the Chief Guest in a moving speech saluted the memories of fallen SLLI war heroes.

Soon after the first floral wreath was laid by the day's Chief Guest, SLLI Center Commandant and representatives of retired SLLI veterans, SLLI Unit Commanders, Regimental Warrant Officers, other ranks, parents, children and next of kin of fallen war heroes followed suit.

As the laying of wreath continued the last post was founded paying tribute their memory.

Major General J.R Kulathunga, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Kotelawala Defence University also was associated with the occasion.

Former Commanders of the Army including General S.H.S Kottegoda, General R.M.D Rathnayake, retired service officers, a large gathering of serving officers and other ranks attended the commemoration ceremony.