Colombo (LNW): The annual commemoration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2023 was observed Saturday (11), organised by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association in collaboration with the Armed Services.
This significant event pays homage to the courageous soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s security, spanning from the First World War to the present day.
The dedication ceremony for the Ranaviru Memorial at Vihara Mahadevi Park in Colombo unfolded in the afternoon, with the esteemed presence of the Commander-in-Chief, President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The ceremony not only marked the customary remembrance but also celebrated the centenary of the construction of the Cenotaph at Vihara Mahadevi Park, Colombo.
Upon his arrival at the ceremony site, President Wickremesinghe was warmly welcomed by Major General Upul Perera (retired), the President of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association.
Various religious ceremonies preceded the tribute to the war heroes, beginning with a moment of silence to honor the martyred soldiers. The President, joined by representatives of the Ex-Servicemen’s Association, laid floral tributes at the war memorial.
The President took part in the unveiling of the special centenary commemorative plaque of the War Heroes Memorial. Additionally, State Minister of Media Shanta Bandara and Ruwan Satkumara, Postmaster General, presented the President with a special commemorative stamp and first-day cover released to mark the 100th anniversary of the Cenotaph.
Major General Perera, President of the Ex-Servicemen’s Association, presented a book titled “War Memorials in Sri Lanka,” compiled by Retired Navy Petty Officer K. Nihal, to the President.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, State Minister of Media Shantha Bandara, Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Western Province Governor Marshal of the Air Roshan Gunatillake, Defense Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retired), Chief of Defense Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne, Air Force Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Sampath Wickramaratne, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and senior officers of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association.
Notably, Lilly Kobbekaduwa, the wife of Brigadier Denzil Kobbekaduwa, and relatives of deceased armed forces members were also present at the event, adding a poignant touch to the occasion.
