National war heroes' monument to be unveiled on June 7

by Anjana Gamage

The National War Heroes' Monument which has been built at Kandy in Mailapitiya under the directions of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will be unveiled on National War Heroes' Day which falls on June 7. The names of 21,500 forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country will be engraved on this special war heroes' monument.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Ranaviru Authority Major General Neil Dias at a press conference held yesterday at the Galle Face Hotel.

Speaking at the press conference Additional Secretary to the President Sarath Chandrasiri said that President Kumaratunga has nominated June 7 as the National War Heroes day and with the collaboration of various government and other private sector organisations, it has decided to hold several key events to commemorate the war heroes day.

Major General Neil Dias said: " The Ranaviru Authority was set up according to a concept of the President. To establish security and peace in the country, several forces personnel of the Army, Navy and Air Force had to make the supreme sacrifice.

Some of them were disabled for the rest of their lives. In such a situation, the family members get mentally depressed. The Ranaviru Seva authority was set up on behalf of them", he said.

Speaking further he said, "the President is of the view and has commented that over 21,500 persons have sacrificed their lives solely for the purpose of protecting the Motherland. That is why the President has nominated June 7 as war heroes' day to commemorate them. In other countries they have special monuments for such persons.

Therefore, we decided to build the national war heroes' monument in Mailapitiya in Kandy", he said.

He further emphasised the importance of documenting the life stories and valiant deeds of the national war heroes as well. " This will lead to the evolution of a war heroes literature in the country too", he said.

As a first step in this direction the Ranaviru Authority has taken steps to print some of their own books written by the soldiers and a special Ranaviru cassette composed under the patronage of popular Sri Lankan vocalists titled " Ranaviru Gee Kusum" that will be launched today (1) at the John de Silva Memorial Theatre.

The Minister of Buddhasasna, Law and Order and the Deputy Minister of Defence Ratnasiri Wickramanayake will be the chief guest.

A special commemoration stamp will also be issued during that week, to celebrate the completion of five years following the setting up of the Ranaviru Authority. The Ranaviru flags and poppy flowers will also be distributed among the public.

"I would like to appeal to the public to light a lamp at their respective homes on June 7 and join with us to honour them too", Major General Neil Dias requested.