HE the President Maithreepala Sirisena as Commander-in-chief of the Armed Force paid his respects to all members of the Armed Forces and Police who made the supreme sacrifice in the name of the Nation at the Ranaviru Statue at Parliament grounds on the evening of 20th May 2015. The event was organized by the Rana Viru Seva Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence.

The singing of the National anthem started the evening’s simple ceremony. Mrs Anoma Fonseka , Chairperson, Ranaviru Seva Authority delivered a short speech of welcome which was followed by observing 1 minute of silence. This was followed by Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian religious activities to invoke blessings on those who have departed and on those who are still serving in the armed forces and police.

HE the President Maithreepala Sirisena  saluted the war heroes by placing a floral wreath in front of the Ranaviru Memorial. It was followed by the Prime Minister Ranil Wicramasinghe, , Chief of Defence Staff General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General A W J C De Silva, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Kolitha Gunathilleke and the Inspector General of Police N K Illangakoon.

Parents, wives and children of the fallen who were present on this occasion paid a touching tribute by offering an “Aloka Poojawa” in memory of their lost fathers and mothers.

The ceremony ended with the traditional final salute to the fallen, the playing of the Last Post by buglers of the tri services.