President to launch Ranaviru month
Rasika SOMARATHNA
The annual National Ranaviru Commemoration Month to honour the ‘war
heroes’ will be launched tomorrow, following a ceremony under the
patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Ranaviru Seva Authority
Chairperson Padma Wettewa will pin the first Ranaviru flag on the
President signaling the launch of the month-long event.
The War Heroes Commemoration Month will continue until June 8. The
Ranaviru Month is held to mark Sri Lanka's victory over the LTTE
terrorists.
The Security Forces defeated the LTTE on May 18, 2009 and eliminated
the terrorism that plagued the country for three decades. A series of
events has been scheduled to be held to mark the War Heroes
Commemoration Month including the Victory Parade at Galle Face Green and
War Heroes Commemoration at the Ranaviru Monument near the parliamentary
complex at Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte on May 18. Ranaviru Seva Authority
head, Wettewa yesterday said at a news briefing that the nation will pay
its proud and solemn tribute to those heroic soldiers who sacrificed
their lives and limbs to defend the Motherland at the ceremony scheduled
to be held at the Ranaviru Monument.
She also urged the public to attend the ceremony to pay their tribute
and respect. She stressed that it was not a day of mourning, but a day
of remembrance.
Wettewa said showing gratitude to the war heroes is not confined to a
single day or month but should be something that needs to be
demonstrated every day that dawns. Also commemorative events are planned
in every province under the leadership of provincial governors.
The parade at Galle Face will be attended by those War Heroes who
participated in the humanitarian operation, Wettewa said.Meanwhile,
Director General of Media Centre for National Security Lakshman
Hulugalle said there will be an all night pirith chanting at the BMICH
on May 9 attended by 3,000 monks from all parts of the country.
Many other activities too have been planned throughout the island
during the month long event, he added. |
