The “Remembrance Day,” the popularly called, 'Poppy Day', annually organized by the Ex-Servicemen's Association, in memory of fallen War Heroes in World Wars and Humanitarian Operations got underway at Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo on Sunday (14) morning, attended by a host of distinguished guests and service personnel, including Prime Minister Hon D.M. Jayarathne, Special Commissioner for Colombo Municipal Council, Diplomatic Corps, et al.
Prime Minister, the chief guest on the occasion and other invited guests were welcomed at the entrance to the by President, Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association and its senior office bearers after pinning a poppy flower on each of them.
A two-minute silence followed religious observances of four major faiths. They were officiated by Ven Vitharandeniye Medhananda Thera (Buddhist), Rev Swami Sarvarupananda (Hindu), Moulavi Mohammed Ramzan (Islam) and Rev Joseph Benedict (Christian)
Minutes after that, the Last Post by Tri-services buglers was sounded bringing everybody present to attention as memories of those fallen War Heroes were called into memory.
Next, followed the laying of floral tributes in memory of those valiant servicemen who sacrificed their lives in the two World Wars and those who died combating terrorism and insurgencies in the country.
The Chief Guest placed the first wreath at the foot of the cenotaph and other invitees including the Tri-services Chiefs of Staff, foreign diplomats and other military officers, living soldiers who fought during the World War II and soldiers who became differently-able during the war in the north and east, followed suit.
Culmination of the Remembrance Day programme saw a smart parade that saluted the cenotaph. Sri Lanka Air Force Band, Tri-service soldiers, Ex-servicemen and Sri Lankan soldiers who served with the Royal Army, marched past with their shining decorations and dignity.
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