By: Isuru Parakrama
November 02, Colombo (LNW): The annual Poppy Flower Remembrance ceremony, organised by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association, is scheduled for November 24 in Colombo, where the nation will pay tribute to its fallen soldiers.
In a briefing held today, President of the Association Lieutenant Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya (Retd) highlighted the symbolic significance of the poppy and the various ways the public can participate in this commemorative event.
As part of the initiative, the Association has produced poppy flower stickers, available for purchase at 50 rupees each, and badges priced at 100, 150, and 250 rupees, which can be displayed on vehicles or personal items.
These poppies have also been distributed to several schools, offering students the opportunity to contribute with donations starting at 20 rupees or more.
Lt. Col. Siyambalapitiya elaborated on how the funds generated will directly support the Ranaviru Home in Katana, a residence for about 30 elderly war veterans.
“The funds we raise go toward essential support for our veterans,” he explained. “This includes funding medical treatments, scholarships for veterans’ children, eyeglass provisions, loans, and training for self-employment.”
Retired Major General Udaya Perera, Chairman of the Poppy Flower Committee, underscored the poppy’s deeper significance beyond its traditional use, saying, “Wearing a poppy is an important gesture of respect towards our soldiers. It’s a symbol of honour that we hope all citizens will adopt, as it speaks more of respect and remembrance than mere financial support.”
He emphasised the meaningful tradition as an act of unity and collective memory, inviting the public to display the poppy as a tribute to the sacrifices made by the nation’s servicemen and women.
