National war heroes' day commemorated

The ceremony to mark the National (War Heroes) Ranaviru Day was held to commemorate the war heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the motherland near the Ranaviru monument at Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, yesterday (June 07).

His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse, the speaker Mr. W.J.M. Loku Bandara, Presidential Secretary Mr. Lalith Weerathunga, Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapakse, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera, Commanders of the Tri Forces and the IGP graced the occasion.

Major General W.P.P Fernando, Chairman of Ranaviru Seva Authority welcoming the distinguished guests said the nation is indebted to the war heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the motherland.

He further said the commemorative ceremony held yesterday (June 07) before the Ranaviru Monument erected in 2008 is a fitting, tribute to them. Ven Prof Bellanwila Wumalarathana Nayake Thero said this years Ranaviru Commemoration Day is historic because the dreams of the war heroes have become a reality today. The nation today enjoys the real value of their martyrdom. He pointed out the astute leadership of the H.E. the President Mahinda Rajapakse has been the decisive factor in this historiac victory. Though terrorist V. Prabhakaran had said that the defeat of the LTTE was a day dream, the people today rejoice because the Ealam dream has now been shattered, thanks to the leadership of the President Rajapakse and the gallantry of the war heroes, the Ven. Prof. Wimalaratna asserted.

Sri Lakshmikanth Jagadheeshwara, M.H.M.Lafir Mowlawi and Rev. Fr. Sarath Hettiarachchi blessed the war heroes, representing the Hindu, Islam and Christian religions respectively.

A two minute silence was observed in honour of the war heroes. H.E. President Mahinda Rajapakse the Speaker, Defence Secretary, Tri Service commanders and the IGP along with the relatives of the war heroes placed floral tributes at the monument.