ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE IN COLOMBO HONOURS SACRIFICE AND REMEMBRANCE

On the solemn morning of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day, the Commonwealth War Graves at Liveramentu Cemetery in Colombo bore witness to a poignant gathering. Amidst the serene atmosphere, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil graced the occasion at the invitation of Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Paul Stephens and New Zealand Charge de Affairs Mr. Andrew Traveller.

The dignified ceremony commenced with the mounting of the catafalque party, a symbolic gesture honouring the fallen. This was followed by an opening prayer, solemn and reflective, setting the tone for the proceedings that followed.

As the strains of the ANZAC Requiem filled the air, hearts swelled with remembrance and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their countries. It was a moment of collective reverence, a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the ANZAC soldiers who fought valiantly in conflicts around the world.

Addressing the gathering, the Australian High Commissioner, the New Zealand Charge de Affairs, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye delivered heartfelt tributes to the ANZACs, acknowledging their selfless service and enduring legacy.

With solemn reverence, the CDS humbly reminded the Australian High Commissioner and the New Zealand Charge de Affairs of the steadfast bravery exhibited by Ceylonese soldiers in the ANZAC wars. Their gallant efforts, alongside their Australian and New Zealand comrades, are immortalized on the revered walls of the war memorial in Colombo, where the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice stand as enduring testaments to their valour.

As the ceremony drew to a close, General Shavendra Silva laid a flower wreath, a symbolic gesture of respect and remembrance for those who made the supreme sacrifice. The Australian High Commissioner, the New Zealand Charge de Affairs, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, along with other esteemed guests, solemnly laid wreaths in honour of the fallen. Each wreath represented a heartfelt tribute, a token of gratitude for the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

ANZAC Day, observed annually on April 25th, commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli during World War I. It is a day of remembrance and reflection, honouring the courage and sacrifice of ANZAC soldiers past and present. Across the world, ANZAC Day serves as a poignant reminder of the values of courage, companionship and sacrifice that define the ANZAC spirit.

The occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of numerous diplomats, defence advisors, navy and air force commanders, senior officers from the tri-services, respected local and foreign veterans, and a multitude of other distinguished invitees.