Defence Secy honours war heroes’ families

Over 3,000 families of fallen war heroes of Army, Navy, Air Force and Police of Kandy district were honoured with Uttama Pooja Pranama medal by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday. The Defence Ministry together with the Ranaviru Seva Authority organized the felicitation ceremony in conjunction with the commemoration day of one of Sri Lanka’s national heroes Weera Keppetipola; at 1st Rajarata Rifle Corps in Pllakale, Kandy.

Parents and family members of war heroes were honoured with the Uttama Pooja Pranama medal. Rajapaksa said the sacrifices made by all to eliminate terrorism will never be forgotten.

The Defence Secretary mingled with parents and family members who participated in the event and listened to their problems.

The Uttama Pooja Pranama was the brainchild of the Defence Secretary. The Uttama Pooja Pranama medal awarding ceremonies were held at Special Task Force training centre at Katukurunda- Kaluthara and Panagoda Army cantonment on October 14.

A total of 1,426 and 2,600 next of kin of war heroes were honoured with Uttama Pooja Pranama Padakkama during the two ceremonies.

Ranaviru Seva Authority Chairperson Padma Waththawa, Major General Lalith Dawlagala, Major General Mano Perera and senior officials of three forces and police also participated.