Navy joins nation to remember fallen service personnel

The main commemoration ceremony of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day – 2026 was held today, 9 November, under the patronage of the Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Cenotaph War Memorial of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. The solemn occasion was also attended by the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, Commander of the Air Force and a group of senior Tri- Service officers, both serving and retired.

Originally established to remember those who perished in the First and Second World Wars, the annual national observance now honours all service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. In alignment with the national event, the Sri Lanka Navy organised its main commemorative ceremony at Navy Headquarters under the patronage of Director General Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Jayantha Bandara. Parallel remembrance events were held across all Naval Commands to honour fallen personnel.

The Northern Naval Command ceremony was led by Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dhammika Wijewardena. The Eastern Naval Command event was headed by Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Varuna Ferdinandusz, while the Southeastern Naval Command commemoration was led by Commander Southeastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sujeewa Wijewardena. Further commemorative events were held in the North Central Naval Command under Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sanjeewa Premaratne, and in the Northwestern Naval Command under Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Marlon Perera. The Southern Naval Command ceremony was conducted under the patronage of Deputy Area Commander, Commodore Aruna Weerasinghe. The Western Naval Command event was led by Deputy Area Commander, Commodore Aruna Wijewardena, with the participation of naval personnel attached to respective ships, craft and establishments.