In a solemn yet dignified ceremony, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene led the nation in honoring the courageous men and women who served in the Tri-services, Police, and Civil Security Department (CSD) during the 15th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony. Held at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, the event stood as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these valiant individuals to safeguard the freedom and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
Year after year, this national commemoration serves as a testament to the unwavering bravery and selflessness exhibited by our war heroes. These individuals, who stood firm in the face of adversity, played an instrumental role in liberating our nation from the grips of terrorism that plagued our land for over three decades.
As attendees stood in reverence, disabled and wheelchair-bound war heroes were honored as they made their way past the gathering. It was a moment that encapsulated the resilience and indomitable spirit of these heroes who, despite their own hardships, continued to inspire a nation.
The staggering numbers speak volumes about the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers. With 28,619 heroes from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, and CSD laying down their lives for the freedom of our motherland, and over twenty-seven thousand more left disabled, their dedication and courage remain unparalleled.
At the heart of the ceremony was a poignant moment of silence, a solemn gesture to remember and honor the fallen war heroes. Prime Minister Gunawardene, along with other dignitaries, paid their respects by laying floral tributes at the war memorial, a tradition steeped in military honor and reverence.
The Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA), tasked with the welfare of war heroes and their families, meticulously organized the ceremony, ensuring that the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, along with other esteemed guests. Their presence underscored the significance of this event and served as a symbol of national unity and gratitude.
Throughout the ceremony, the services of the war heroes were praised, and their sacrifices remembered with pride and gratitude. It was a moment for the nation to come together and honor those who gave their all for the greater good.
As flowers were laid at the Memorial, a poignant reminder of lives lost but never forgotten, it was clear that the legacy of our war heroes would endure. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty will forever remain etched in the annals of our nation’s history, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
