Fallen women soldiers commemorated

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

COLOMBO: The women soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country will be commemorated by the Ex-Army Women’s Association today at Mailapitiya Ranaviru Park to coincide with the International Women’s Day.

Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa will be the chief guest.

Association President Captain Victoria Lakshmi said a number of serving and retired members’ husbands apart from the nineteen women soldiers have sacrificed their lives for the country over the years and the members of the Association have decided to accompany those wives and children along with the next of kins of killed women soldiers to the Memorial Park and light an oil lamp on this day where their names are endorsed to mark respect.

“We want to give them the feeling that they are not alone and to give their children an opportunity to be proud of their fathers”, Lakshmi said.

Ex-female members of the Air Force, Navy and Police have been invited to this event. Representatives from Ranaviru Family Counselling Service headed by Air Vice Marshal Harry Goonatilake will be present.

The Kandy Branch of the Association will be formed on the same day to facilitate their members living in the Kandy district.