
16th National War Heroes Commemoration ceremony to be held on May 19
Daily Mirror lk News
Colombo, May 16
16 May 2025
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The Ministry of Defence said that the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony will be held on May 19, 2025, at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A press conference was convened today (May 16) by the Ministry of Defence to outline the preparations for the event. The ceremony will be attended by Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), representing the President.
Military leaders, including Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and Marshal of the Air Force, are also scheduled to attend the ceremony.
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha (Retd) chaired the briefing, emphasizing the Ministry’s and the Tri-Forces’ unwavering commitment to honouring the memory of fallen heroes. He underscored the importance of preserving their legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and service as an inspiration to future generations.
Officials from the Ranaviru Seva Authority and the armed forces provided an overview of the ceremonial proceedings, which will include wreath-laying, special tributes, and military honours, with the participation of distinguished guests, military personnel, and the families of war heroes.
The ceremony is intended to serve as a solemn national tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and security.
A series of island-wide community welfare programmes, organized by the Armed Forces, Police, and Civil Security Department, will also be conducted in conjunction with the commemoration.
The Ministry of Defence has called upon all citizens to stand united in honouring the nation’s war heroes and reaffirming the country’s collective gratitude for their dedication and service.
Senior military officials, commanders of the Navy and Air Force, the Army Chief of Staff, ministry representatives, and numerous members of the electronic and print media were present at the press briefing.
