17th National War Heroes Commemoration to Be Held Under President’s Patronage

The 17th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony, honoring military personnel who sacrificed their lives to end Sri Lanka’s three-decade-long war and restore peace in the country, is scheduled to be held today, Tuesday (19), near the War Heroes Memorial in Battaramulla under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

National War Heroes Day is commemorated annually on May 19 to pay tribute to members of the armed forces who gave their lives for the country. This year marks the 15th commemoration ceremony, and several special arrangements have been introduced for the event.

As a significant change this year, family members of Tamil and Muslim personnel from the Northern and Eastern Provinces who worked alongside the tri-forces and lost their lives during the conflict have also been invited to participate in the commemoration ceremony.

More than 30 such Tamil and Muslim families have reportedly been specially selected and will be given the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones together with the President.

Giving greater recognition and participation opportunities to the families of fallen war heroes has been identified as one of the main objectives of this year’s event. Accordingly, a larger number of family members are expected to attend compared to previous years.

The official ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3.00 p.m., while special guests are expected to arrive before 3.15 p.m.

A total of 2,769 participants, including representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Special Task Force, Civil Security Department, National Cadet Corps, as well as parents and relatives of fallen war heroes, are expected to attend the event.

Around 160 parents of fallen soldiers have also been given the opportunity to directly participate in the main ceremony this year.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to deliver a special address during the event. Arrangements have also been made for the parents and relatives of the fallen soldiers to join the President and special guests in laying floral tributes at the memorial.