Remembrance Day Commemorated with Poppy Flowers Laid at Cenotaph

The Remembrance Day alias World Poppy Day (November 11) commemorative ceremony that recollects memories of worldwide fallen War Heroes, inclusive of those who perished in World Wars, organized by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association got underway this morning (13) at the cenotaph at Viharamaha Devi Park, Colombo.

General G.D.H. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, Secretary to Ministry of Defence as the Chief Guest graced the event along with tri service representatives. Navy and Air Force Commanders and the Deputy Chief of the Army representing the Commander of the Army, along with a gathering of both serving and retired tri-service Officers and Other Ranks joined the day's remembrance.

After the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) with office-bearers received the day's Chief Guest and invitees before floral-wreaths were laid at the foot of the cenotaph.

To begin with, a two-minute silence was observed in honour of fallen war heroes and Defence Secretary, senior officers from tri-services and distinguished guests present on the occasion offered floral tributes to the War Memorial recalling those brave souls, perished for a noble cause. Major General Channa Weerasuriya, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army too laid a floral wreath at the monument representing the Commander of the Army and paid his tribute to their memory.

The solemn formalities of the event came to an end with military honours that paid tribute to the sacrifices of all servicemen who had laid their lives for the country.

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. Following a tradition inaugurated by King George V in 1919, the day is also marked by war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries.