08th October 2024 12:56:27 Hours
As the Sri Lanka Army approaches its 75th anniversary, a dignified ceremony was held on Monday (7) at the Battaramulla War Heroes’ Monument (Ranaviru Smarakaya) to honour the immense sacrifices of fallen War Heroes.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest for this formal commemorative event, adding prominence to the occasion.
This ceremony commemorates the successful eradication of terrorism from Sri Lanka 15 years ago and equally symbolizes the deep-rooted respect the Army holds for the unmatched gallantry of thousands of fallen War Heroes who sacrificed their precious lives to restore peace and harmony in the country.
Soon after the Army Chief’s arrival at the location, the recital of the National Anthem and the Army Song set the stage for the vigil and the subsequent observance of a two-minute silence in honour of the fallen patriots. An elegantly-dressed soldier then rose to publicly recount the saga of how the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, with unparalleled bravery and courage, brought peace to Sri Lanka by defeating the three-decade-long LTTE terrorism before May 2009.
The day's Chief Guest, along with several Senior Army Officers, then proceeded to the War Heroes’ Monument, where they laid floral wreaths and saluted the War Heroes who gave their lives for the Nation.
After the Commander of the Army placed the first wreath, Senior Officers and Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) at the Army Headquarters, payed their respect by placing wreaths.
Next, the Last Post sounded, honouring the memory of the fallen as trumpeters of the Army joined together to play the melody as dusk fell upon the area. The sounding of the 'Reveille' in accordance with military traditions brought the formal ceremony to a close.
Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Principal Staff Officers, Security Force Commanders, Senior Officers, and Officers, were present to pay tribute to those fallen War Heroes.
