May 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is poised to commemorate the sixteenth anniversary of the conclusion of its protracted civil conflict with a state-led event honouring the country’s military personnel.
The National War Heroes’ Commemoration will be held this evening (19) at the War Heroes Memorial in Battaramulla, paying tribute to those who fought in the final campaign that brought an end to more than three decades of bloodshed.
The remembrance ceremony, scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., will take place under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. A number of key military figures who played decisive roles in the closing chapter of the war are expected to attend, including Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilaka.
Their presence is expected to symbolise both the strategic coordination that led to the conclusion of the conflict and the enduring legacy of the country’s armed forces.
This year’s commemoration is expected to draw participation from across the political spectrum, military leadership, families of fallen soldiers, and representatives of civil society, signifying a collective effort to recognise the costs and consequences of war, while promoting a spirit of national reconciliation and remembrance.
The state-organised event is also intended to serve as a moment for reflection on the trajectory the country has taken since the war’s conclusion in 2009. Whilst the event honours military sacrifice, it comes at a time when Sri Lanka continues to grapple with post-conflict challenges, including questions of transitional justice, memorialisation, and ethnic reconciliation.
Security and logistical arrangements have been made to accommodate the influx of participants and to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings. The Sri Lanka Police have advised motorists of a temporary traffic control plan in areas adjacent to Parliament.
Although no road closures will be enforced, vehicles using the stretch from Polduwa Junction to Kianyam Junction via Jayanthipura may experience slow movement due to crowd build-up.
To alleviate congestion, alternative routes have been outlined. Vehicles exiting Colombo may travel from Polduwa Junction to Battaramulla Junction, then proceed via Palam Thuna to Kianyam Junction. Incoming traffic is advised to use the reverse route for access to the city.
