Valor and gallantry of War Heroes of the Tri-services and the Police on Saturday (19) evening received a deep reverence at the war memorial at Battaramulla Parliament ground as the second segment of the National Victory Day 3rd anniversary ceremonies.
Just a couple of hours after the day’s main ceremony at Galle Face green was over, Speaker, Secretary Defence and Urban Development, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Air Force and the Inspector General of the Police (IGP) were at Battaramulla Parliament ground to receive HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was scheduled to grace the occasion as Chief Guest.
President Rajapaksa on arrival at the venue was warmly received by Mrs P.B Wettewa, Chairperson, Rana Viru Seva Authority (RVSA) and conducted to the special dais.
President Rajapaksa afterwards received the salute of the troops and paid respect to the National Anthem. A one-minute silence in memory of all War Heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the motherland, was then observed before religious observances of all denominations, got underway.
Rhythmic beats of traditional Rana Bera, including Hevisi, Purappattu, Magul Bera, Geta Bera, etc, presented by Tri-service and Police bands reverberated, symbolizing the bravery and courage, shown by departed War Heroes of the Tri services. It also symbolized a tribute paid in memory of them as was the case during the times of our kings.
Mrs Padma Wettewa, inaugurating the formal commemorative meeting as Chairperson, RVSA welcomed the Chief Guest and all the invitees.
Seconds after that, President Rajapaksa along with Speaker, Secretary Defence and Urban Development, CDS, Army, Navy and Air Force Commanders and the IGP, walked up to the cenotaph and laid floral wreaths, in remembrance of all War Heroes of our times who laid their precious lives. It was a moment filled with grief, pain and loss, but the magnificent memorial appeared to have immortalized their memory for the living to see.
Immediately after the President, beloved next of kin of fallen War Heroes lined-up wailing and paid their respect to the memory of their beloved ones. They knelt down at the foot of the monument and went on shedding tears while laying bouquets of fragrant flowers. It was a solemn moment of memory, replete with emotions.
Next, sounded the Last Post honouring their memory in military way. Trumpeters of Tri-services and the Police joined together to play the melody. As dusk was falling, the Reveille sounded, marking the culmination of the formal ceremony.
President Rajapaksa and distinguished invitees afterwards joined together and lit lanterns in front of the monument as a mark of respect to the War Heroes. The Aloka Pooja illuminated the entire complex giving eternity to the heroism, displayed by members of the Armed Forces and the Police during their battle over terrorism in different humanitarian operations.
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