16th November 2025
The 81st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony was solemnly commemorated today (16 November) at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. This annual event, organized by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association in collaboration with the Armed Services, honoured the memory and sacrifices of Sri Lankan war heroes who laid down their lives in defence of the nation, in conflicts ranging from the First World War to the present day.
Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, graced the commemoration as the Chief Guest.
Major General K. P. Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Deputy Minister of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) WWV RWP and two Bars RSP and Bar USP MMSc (Strat Stu-China) MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt MSc (Def & Strat Stu) fndu (China) psc, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, also attended the event.
The event featured wreath-laying, moments of silence, and military honours, offering a heartfelt tribute to the courage, dedication, and patriotism of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Commander of the Navy, Defence Attachés, senior officers, officers, and other ranks of the tri-services joined the ceremony, together with the next of kin of the fallen war heroes.
(Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Defence)
