PUTHUKKUDIYIRUPPU, near the mangroves in Nanthikadal lagoon where heroic War Heroes annihilated world’s most ruthless cycle of terrorism and its megalomaniac monster during a dignified military ceremony this morning (9) received recognition and immortality with a “Victory Monument” before a galaxy of military chiefs, including President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The special “Victory Monument”, erected at Puthumattalan in memory of all those War Heroes who triumphed over evil and sacrificed their lives for the noblest of all noble causes was unveiled amidst hoisting of the National Flag and Tri-service Flags by President Rajapaksa and Tri-service Commanders respectively.
The visiting President on arrival at the venue was accorded a Guard of Honour by Commando Regiment soldiers. Minutes after that the President hoisted the National flag and all Tri-Service Commanders simultaneously hoisted the flags of their respective services. Adding colour and dignity to the occasion was the raising of the Wanni Security Forces Headquarters flag, all Divisional and Task Force flags, representing all War Heroes who contributed to the recently-concluded Wanni humanitarian operations by respective commanders who took part in the offensives against terrorism.
Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Tri-service Commanders were also associated with the occasion. Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Acting Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathilake unveiled two plaques on both sides of the new monument soon after the President declared it opened. The monument had been dedicated to the memory of all War Heroes who fought in the Wanni humanitarian operations.
The blue background to this ‘Victory Monument in Victorious Land’ depicts the blue ocean and the flowers around it the Sri Lankan Nation. Four Lions at four corners of the memorial immortalize the contribution of the War Heroes who came from all four directions to win the final battle. The soldier sculptor that carries a weapon symbolizes valour and gallantry of soldiers. The National flag on it demonstrates the sovereignty, independence and dignity of the nation.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a record 5000 strong gathering of Army personnel after opening of the monument paid a glittering tribute to their invaluable contribution during the Wanni battles.
President Rajapaksa later on declared open an information outlet that could be used by War Heroes as a reference centre while serving in Puthukkudiyiruppu. He also took time off to mingle with War Heroes and shared a couple of thoughts with them before the ceremonies came to an end.
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