THE UNFLAGGING courage and dignity of War Heroes, who selflessly contributed to the success story in Sri Lanka over the long-drawn-out terrorism, received a fitting tribute with all the pomp and pageantry at Galle Face Green on Friday (18) morning during the first anniversary celebrations of the National Victory Day.
The National Victory Day parade, a landmark commemorative event that recollects the unbelievable win over brutal terrorism is to be held every year to pay tribute to all War Heroes of Tri Services, Police and the Civil Defence Force.
This year’s parade assumed special significance and prominence since some 9000 War Heroes who decisively fought in the North, Wanni and Eastern Humanitarian Operations with their respective commanding officers and mechanized columns took part in the celebration, showcasing their unflinching determination, dedication and commitment for defence of their motherland.
Sri Lanka, now facing the daunting task of reconciling and re-building after promoting confidence and understanding among all ethnicities, added a new global dimension to the myth that terrorism could not be wiped out militarily.
Friday’s National Victory Day parade with a galaxy of religious leaders, distinguished statesmen, administrators, diplomats and other dignitaries, including His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Chief Guest on the occasion, consisted of Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence Force personnel and their supportive ordnance, used widely during Humanitarian Operations in the fight against terrorism. Naval fleet at sea as well as Air Force fighting craft during the ceremony displayed their talents, reminding all the attendees of their share of contribution to the fight against terrorism, a year ago.
The grandeur of the March Past, presented by War Heroes of Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Defence Force as well as the display of tri-service mechanized columns and Air Force fighting craft in the skies added magnificence and colour to the occasion. The compartmentalization of the entire parade into the separate Eastern theatre, Northern theatre, Wanni Central, Western and Eastern theatres offered the spectators a broader view of the heroic troops, engaged in offensives. Major General Chagi Gallage, Major General Shavendra Silva and Major General Prasanna Silva representing the East, Wanni and North respectively symbolized as parade Commanders in the march.
The stage was set for the spectacular and mammoth show of the day as Inspector General of Police, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Army, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Commander of the Air Force, Secretary Defence, Secretary to President, Speaker and Prime Minister arrived at the venue in succession and were welcomed warmly by designated officers of the Police, Navy, Army, Air Force before the Secretary Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa was received by the CDS, Tri-Service Chiefs and the IGP. All of them greeted Speaker and the Prime Minister afterwards as scheduled.
Seconds after that, the arrival of His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces was heralded as members of the Sri Lanka Army cultural troupe blew traditional trumpets. Prime Minister, President’s Secretary, Secretary Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Army and Navy Commanders and the IGP upon receipt of the President Rajapaksa and the First Lady Mrs Shiranthi Rajapaksa conducted him to hoist the National Flag as the inaugural item on the agenda. Blowing of traditional conch shells amidst beating of auspicious drums (Magul Bera) signaled the official inauguration of the day’s event as President Rajapaksa hoisted the National Flag. Lined up Army woman soldiers simultaneously recited the National Anthem to the music provided by Sailors and paid the Nation’s tribute, giving pride of place to the country.
The next moment was solemn and dignified as the mammoth gathering rose to feet paying their respect to the memory of fallen War Heroes by way of a two-minute silence. The gesture took all present down on the memory lane and recalled numerous sacrifices of those War Heroes who dedicated their today for our tomorrow.
The ceremony turned more dignified as the clock struck. The military ceremony got off the ground as Presidential Salute with the 21 Gun Salute resonated with the boom, awarded to the President as all invitees remained standing.
Deviating from the traditional routine, President Rajapaksa atop a special open jeep along with Chief of Defence Staff, Army and Navy Commanders and the overall parade Commander Major General Kamal Guneratne afterwards went to inspect the parade troops, lined up at Galle Face Green after the overall parade Commander reported to the President.
The triumphant mood of the Nation’s hard-fought victory over LTTE terrorism reached its zenith as President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Chief Guest on the occasion began to address the Nation. (See President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s address under News Highlights).
President afterwards took his position on the special dais along with CDS, Army and Navy Commanders and IGP as the military parade was set to march in the presence of him and the invitees.
The grandeur of the March Past, presented by Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence Force War Heroes as well as the display of mechanized columns, support weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, sophisticated missiles of the tri-services and the Police added more prominence to the day’s event. Of them, Army de-miners, signalers, veterinary unit with sniffing dogs, artillery, mechanized infantry, engineer equipment and other armed units of the Navy and Air Force who stood a tower of strength to fighting troops drew the attention of the gathering as it provided a new spectacle that caused interest and curiosity. The mechanized column parade and the parachute show also robbed the attention as the day’s programme was drawing to a close.
Presentation of the salute by wheel-chair ridden War Heroes sustained injuries in the battlefields, needless to mention, touched heart and soul of all those present on the occasion. They received an overwhelming standing ovation on the occasion while they were going past the main dais and the invitees.
Navy and Air Force displays in the seas and air across the Galle Face Green offered the most thrilling experience with tri-service parachutists descending from a height of about 6000 feet as rhythmic beats rent the air with soothing melodies. Brigadier K.R.P Rowell served as second in command of the parade.
Religious dignitaries, Senior Ministers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, Diplomats, Ex-Defence and Police Chiefs, Secretaries, Provincial Ministers and Councilors, Chiefs of Staff in Army, Navy and Air Force, Senior DIGs, Director, Civil Defence Force, Senior Army, Navy and Air Force Officers, Media personnel and a massive gathering of invitees graced the occasion.
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