HE the President Maithripala Sirisena as Commander-in-chief of the Armed Force paid 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 19th May 2017.

The event was organized by the Ranaviru Seva Authority under the patronage 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 saluted the war heroes by placing a floral wreath in front of the Ranaviru Memorial. He was followed by the State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Former Commander of the Army, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunathilleke, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Crishantha De Silva, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy and the Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara.

A tribute drum display "Ranabera" was also performed by the tri forces and police bands during the event.

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