24th November 2024 21:44:23 Hours
The commemorative ceremony of the fallen War Heroes alias World Poppy Day organised by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen Association in collaboration with the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS) and the Tri-Services with the guidance of the Ministry of Defence was held this morning (24 November) at the Cenotaph of the Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo.
His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake graced the annual event as the Chief Guest.
At the invitation of the President of Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association, Lieutenant Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya (Retd), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the event. During the event, he took time to share past memories with the senior military personalities present.
The ceremony commenced with the playing of the National Anthem, followed by a two-minute silence to honor the war heroes. Multi-religious observances were then conducted to remember those who sacrificed their lives in action and to invoke blessings upon the differently-abled war veterans.
Thereupon, His Excellency the President solemnly laid a wreath of flowers, a symbolic gesture of respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and freedom.
Then, the Deputy Defence Minister, the Secretary of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff,Tri-services Commanders, foreign diplomats, distinguished veterans, and family members of war heroes, offered floral tributes in memory of the brave souls who sacrificed their lives in the defence of the motherland.
The event was also attended by former Tri-services commanders, members of foreign diplomatic missions in Colombo, serving and retired senior military officers from the Tri-services,and many invited guests. Members of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen Association, war heroes wounded in action, and family members of fallen war heroes were among the distinguished participants of the evening.