09th October 2023 21:27:29 Hours
The new memorial put up in memory of late Captain Saliya Aladeniya PWV of the 3 (Volunteer) Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment inside the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) Headquarters at Kosgama was unveiled by Major General D.M.K.D.B Pussella RWP RSP, Commandant, SLAVF on the invitation of Major General M.T.K.R Silva KSP, the Deputy Commandant, SLAVF on Wednesday (4 October).
Captain Saliya Aladeniya is the first recipient of ‘Parama Weera Vibhushanaya’ (PWV) in the war history of the Sri Lanka Army, considered as the highest gallantry medal awarded posthumously in appreciation of the soldier’s supreme sacrifice.
The erection of memorial to Captain Saliya Aladeniya was accomplished as a collective effort of the Headquarters Battalion in the Volunteer Force under the expertise of Sri Lanka Engineers.
Religious observances of all faiths marked the commencement of the day’s brief opening ceremony after transfer of merits to all fallen War Heroes and late Captain Saliya Aladeniya.
In solemn respect to the motherland and the establishment, the gathering recited the National Anthem and the Army Song. Troops of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment at SLAVF held a vigil beside the memorial and observed a two-minute silence in memory of all fallen War Heroes. Senior Officers in succession placed floral wreaths afterwards and saluted his memory.
Addressing the historic event, the Commandant spelt out the saga behind the supreme sacrifice of Captain Saliya Aladeniya and his other subordinates who laid their lives without surrendering to the ferocious foes at Kokavil. The Commandant expressed his solemn respect and gratitude to the beloved mother, Mrs. Indrani Aladeniya who gave birth to a valiant warrior and the then Commanding Officer- Brigadier Abaya Weerakoon (Retd) KSV who joined the ceremony via zoom.
