Today, 18th of May marks 16 years since the end of Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war, which concluded in 2009 with the death of Velupillai Prabhakaran, leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), at the Nandikadal Lagoon.
The LTTE, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, was defeated by Sri Lankan security forces after waging a violent separatist campaign for over 30 years.
The war’s conclusion also saw the successful execution of what is regarded as one of the largest humanitarian rescue operations in the world, freeing thousands of civilians held by the LTTE.
Sri Lanka observes this milestone through National War Heroes’ Day, also known as Victory Day, which commemorates the sacrifices of the country’s armed forces. The main commemoration will take place on May 19 at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Deputy Defence Minister Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara will preside over the event, alongside notable military leaders including Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke.
In support of the occasion, the Patriotic National Front has called on citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes today in remembrance and national solidarity.
