Sri Lanka commemorates end of 30-Year war with National War Heroes Day

A solemn commemoration marking the end of Sri Lanka’s brutal 30-year war will be held today (May 19) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The event, organized as part of National War Heroes Day, will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the War Heroes Monument .

The ceremony will honor the brave war heroes who played a pivotal role in the humanitarian operation that brought an end to decades of conflict. The War Heroes Service Authority has announced that family members of the fallen and surviving war veterans will also be in attendance to pay tribute to their sacrifices.

Distinguished military leaders including Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and Marshal of the Air Force are scheduled to participate in the event. The Deputy Minister of Defense, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), will also be among the high-profile attendees.

As part of the commemorative activities, floral tributes will be laid at the War Heroes Memorial, with military personnel and their families observing traditional honors and rituals.

In conjunction with the main event, a series of island-wide community welfare programs are set to be launched. These initiatives will involve the active participation of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Department, and Civil Security Department, reinforcing the continued commitment of the armed forces to national development and public service.

National War Heroes Day serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made in pursuit of peace and unity, and today’s event is expected to draw both national and international attention as Sri Lanka reflects on its journey toward lasting peace