Last modified on: 7/22/2010 8:40:48 AM

Mullaittivu debacle war heroes immortalized Valiant War Heroes who fought till the last during the famous 'Mullaittivu debacle' in the year 1996 when Tiger terrorists overran their camp were immortalized on the very date of the tragedy by erecting a special war memorial, adjacent to the 591 Brigade Headquarters in Mullaittivu. This war memorial, constructed by 9 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) troops, was unveiled on 18th July 2010, the day that marked the final fall of the camp into terrorists' hands some 14 years ago after a siege of two days. 44 officers and 1119 other ranks, mainly of 5 Brigade, 9 SLSR and 6 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) lost their lives during fierce gun battles that lasted for two days. The war monument with all War Heroes' names, built on the instructions of the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, was unveiled by Major General Chandana Rajaguru, Commander Security Forces -Mullaittivu in the company of a large gathering of next of kin of fallen War Heroes in the debacle. Parents, spouses, children and next of kin of fallen War Heroes laid floral wreaths, flowers and lit oil lamps at the foot of the monument soon after a military salute was accorded. A large gathering of senior officers, Police officers and senior citizens in the area attended the occasion. Troops fighting against terrorists, unable to face stiff resistance had to withdraw during this attack as the terrorists directed a rain of artillery fire on to the location. Courtesy : Sri Lanka Army