President Graces 16th National War Heroes Day
May 19, 2025- Nation Pays Tribute to Its Fallen Heroes
Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, presided over the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony held today (May 19) at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. The event honoured the heroic sacrifices of the Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Security Department (CSD) personnel who laid down their lives in service to the nation.
Observed annually, the National War Heroes Day is a tribute to the valiant men and women who made the supreme sacrifice to preserve Sri Lanka’s freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity, ushering in an era of peace and national unity following decades of conflict.
The commemoration began with a moment of silence, followed by the President laying floral tributes at the cenotaph in accordance with military tradition. The tribute was further dignified by the presence of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda and Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, who also laid floral wreaths in honour of the fallen.
Over 28,000 personnel from the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the CSD made the ultimate sacrifice in the nation’s fight against terrorism. Around 27,000 others were rendered disabled, and they were honoured during the event. A heartfelt moment occurred when attendees rose in unison as disabled and wheelchair-bound war heroes passed by a powerful reminder of their enduring courage and resilience.
The Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA), the state institution tasked with safeguarding the welfare of war heroes and their families, made comprehensive arrangements for the dignified execution of the ceremony.
Among those in attendance were the Deputy Minister of Defence Maj. Gen. Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Hon. Ravi Senevirathna, Tri-Forces Commanders, former Tri - Forces Commanders, the Acting Inspector General of Police, CSD Director General, Director of National Cadet Corps and the families of fallen war heroes, all of whom laid floral tributes in deep reverence.
As Sri Lanka marks yet another year of peace and stability since the end of the conflict in May 2009, this day serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom. Let us move forward with unity, gratitude and determination to build a stronger, more prosperous nation.
