Uththama Pooja :
Fallen heroes remembered
The fallen war heroes of Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, who
sacrificed their lives to save the motherland from the LTTE were
commemorated by presenting the Uththama Pooja Pranama Medal to their
parents and wives at the Air Force base premises in Hingurakgoda on
Friday.
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the chief guest.
Ranaviru Sevana Authority President Padma Wettawa delivered the
welcome speech. The Gazette extra ordinary published by President
Mahinda Rajapaksa on July 16, 2010 was read out by Ranaviru Seva
Authority Director Shirya Danansooriya which include the style and
designation, description, ribbon, eligibility, awarding of the medal,
forfeiture and restoration of the medal.
Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said the medal is presented to the kit
and kin of the armed services personnel as a tribute for their
sacrifices.
“Though there are a number of welfare schemes and projects underway
for war heroes and their families, the Uththama Pooja medal was decided
as an honour and appreciation of the contribution of the Ranaviru
families in the humanitarian bid for permanent peace,” he said.
“This is an opportunity to show our gratitude as a nation that never
forgets its brave men and women. An example well set for our future
generations to follow,” the Defence Secretary said.
A total of 1,736 family members of fallen war heroes received medals
at the ceremony including 1,170, 397, 169 from Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee
and Batticaloa districts.
Courtesy: Defence Ministry
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