The event marks 17 years since the defeat of the brutal LTTE terrorism that plagued Sri Lanka for more than three decades, which officially ended on May 18, 2009.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information on May 14, Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority, Brigadier S.B. Kohona, stated that the annual commemoration is organized to honor and remember the war heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the country’s freedom and sovereignty during the conflict as well as in the years thereafter.
He further noted that while the ceremony will follow traditional customs observed in previous years, several new features have been introduced for this year’s event. Greater opportunities have been provided for the family members of fallen war heroes to participate in the commemoration.
A group of Tamil and Muslim war heroes from the Northern and Eastern Provinces are also expected to attend the ceremony, along with members of their families, who have been specially invited to participate.
According to L.M.C.B. Nishshanka, Director of the Ranaviru Seva Authority, a total of 2,769 participants, including invited guests, members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Special Task Force, Civil Security Department, National Cadet Corps, Ranaviru Seva Authority officials, and parents of war heroes, will attend the event.
He also stated that 160 parents of fallen war heroes will be given the opportunity to visit the War Heroes Memorial and offer floral tributes together with special invitees during the ceremony.
