We have freedom because of war heroes

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

COLOMBO: “We have this freedom to live because of our war heroes but there was a time that their service was underestimated by creating confusions. We can be happy that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been able to put the things right and has created an environment for them to do their job right in order to achieve peace for the country” Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa said at Ranaviru Remembrance Park in Mailapitiya on Friday.

He was the chief guest at an event organised by the Ex Army Women’s Association to commemorate female soldiers and other war heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country. This was held to coincide with the Women’s International Day.

He pointed out that it is women in our country who are playing a lead role in most of the places while attending to family matters and men are deviating from getting involved in such responsibilities which are not good things to happen.

However, he appreciated that Ex Army Women’s Association headed by Captain Victoria Lakshmi organised an historical event at Mailapitiya by becoming the first association to commemorate their fallen comrades and hoped it will be an annual event and assured his fullest support for future events.

The members of the association accompanied the families of killed women soldiers to light coconut oil lamps in places where their names are endorsed.

Chairman Ranaviru Seva Authority Colonel Lallith Gunaratne, Commander Central Province Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, Chairman Ranaviru Family Counselling Service Air Vice Marshal Harry Goonatilake were also present.