One hundred (100) more Gemunu Watch (GW) War Heroes whose unrelenting pursuit of humanitarian operations in the North and East against ruthless terrorists saw an end to the long dragged terrorism, were awarded ‘North-East Humanitarian Operation’ Medals during a special ceremony at Kuruwita Gemunu Watch Regimental Centre on Tuesday (31).
The day’s ceremony commenced soon after the arrival of the 112 Brigade Commander, Brigadier J.C.P. Pakshaweera, the Chief Guest for the occasion. He was conducted to the main stage where recital of the Army song and the observance of a two-minute silence followed the formal proclamation on the day’s event and citations, attributed to award of those honouring Medals.
The Chief Guest pinned Medals on the first segment of recipients who were mostly disable after injuries sustained in the battlefield during humanitarian operations. On the same day, those Medals were awarded to War Heroes at battalion level. Centre Commandant GW Regimental Headquarters Colonel A.P.I. Fernando, Commanding Officer at GW Regimental Headquarters Colonel D.M.S. Bandara and 62 Division Coordinating Officer Colonel W.M.M.K Walpita followed suit and awarded Medals to those GW War Heroes. A brief address by the Chief Guest reminded the importance of their national service to the country.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces inaugurated the award of the same ‘North-East Humanitarian Operation Medal’ on 14th December 2010 where a representative 1000 War Heroes of the tri-services and the Police received this Medal. At that inaugural ceremony Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army received the first Medal on behalf of the Army.
The special award ceremony recognizes valour and gallantry, displayed by those Army War Heroes during their dedicated commitment in the North and East.
Corps (SLAC) once again joined other Colonel Commandants of the Regiments and pinned the Medal on SLAC War Heroes.
Those Medals symbolically pay tribute and recognize the most sacred bravery, commitment, dedication and invaluable sacrifices our War Heroes have made during the humanitarian operations in the North and East which finally brought durable peace to the country. The day’s ceremonies wound up as everybody stood up singing the National anthem as a mark of respect to the motherland.
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