Salute to War Heroes
Sandasen MARASINGHE
Flags of various colours fluttered as the ocean winds blew across the
Galle Face Green reminding us of what President Mahinda Rajapaksa said
that people in this country will never forget the supreme sacrifice made
by the War Heroes for the unity of the Motherland.
The Galle Face Green was decked with national flags to celebrate the
second anniversary of the elimination of the most ruthless terrorist
outfit in the world and to pay the nation’s gratitude to the War Heroes.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Chief Justice
Shirani Bandaranayake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga,
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa followed by the Chief of Defence
Staff Roshan Gunatilleke and the Service Commanders were the first to
arrive for the Victory Day anniversary celebrations. IGP Mahinda
Balasuriya was also present.
The motorcade accompanying President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady
Shiranthi Rajapaksa escorted by Mounted Police arrived at the venue at
8.45 am, amidst the blowing of trumpets.
Thereafter, the President was accompanied to the main flag post by
the Chief of Defence Staff, three Service Commanders and Inspector
General of Police for the hoisting of the National Flag amidst the
beating of Magul Bera. A group of service personnel attached to the
three Forces and the Police sang the national anthem.
The President was then conducted to the special dais where the fallen
heroes were remembered by observing two-minutes silence. A 21 gun salute
was accorded to the President who inspected the Victory Parade
consisting of 760 officers and 8760 other rankers from the three forces,
Police and the Civil Defence Force. The colorful parade commanded by
Killinochchi Security Forces Commander Major General Nandana Udawatte
followed. The parade included the service personnel of Army, Air Force,
Navy, Police and Civil Security Force and the military equipment used
during the humanitarian operation.
Naval craft including Dvora boats and other navy ships were on show
in parallel to the SLN parade. Air craft of the Air Force transport
squadron, helicopter squadron, fighter jet squadron, MIG 27 squadron, MI
24 squadron and UAVs were also in action.
The sight of the parading service personnel who were disabled during
the operation to defeat terrorism brought a tear to the eyes of many.
All the spectators paid a standing ovation to the disabled war heroes
who paraded before them while the kindergartenschool children proudly
waved national flags. |