The 81st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony was held yesterday (16 November) at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo.
The annual event, organized by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association in collaboration with the Armed Services, honoured the memory and sacrifices of Sri Lankan war heroes who laid down their lives in defence of the nation.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) participated as Guests of Honour.
Upon her arrival, Prime Minister Amarasuriya was welcomed by Lieutenant Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya (Retd), President of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association.
The ceremony began with religious observances, followed by a two-minute silence in memory of all fallen heroes.
Floral tributes were then offered at the War Memorial by the Prime Minister, dignitaries, and representatives of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for the supreme sacrifice of war heroes.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including the Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army and Navy, foreign envoys, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, high-ranking Tri-Forces officers, representatives of the Ex-Servicemen’s Association, and families of fallen war heroes.
