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by Sarath Malalasekera

The Special Task Force (STF) is built out of the sweat and toil of war heroes who sacrificed their lives in its name in defence of the nation. "I recall that fact on this occasion with due respect for the parents who brought up those war heroes," said STF Commandant DIG Nimal Gunatilleke at the 17th commemoration ceremony of the STF war heroes at Kalutara recently.

The Special Task Force was established on March 1, 1983 and its first batch was deployed in the defence in the Jaffna area. The commemoration of STF War Heroes commenced on September 1, 1984 in honour of a batch of STF personnel who were killed in Tikkama in the Jaffna area, as a result of a terrorist attack. Ever since, this ceremony held annually, the STF Commandant said.

A religious ceremony followed the commemorative ceremony to remember the 408 STF personnel killed in action.

The STF Commandant said it was a pleasure to note that not a single officer attached to the STF has been injured or died since the peace process. Even the single officer who was killed during last year, lost his life before the peace process started. May the prevailing peace continue to bringing in lasting peace resulting in prosperity to the country. "This is my profound wish on this occasion," DIG Gunatilleke said.

"Once again I thank all of you and convey our condolences to the parents and relations of the departed war heroes, while wishing them the bliss of Nibbana," DIG Gunatilleke added.

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