Sri Lanka Navy's annual War heroes Felicitation
Sri Lanka Navy’s annual War Heroes felicitation is held this year under the direction of the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera. Tribute will be paid to the Navy’s KIA, MIA and WIA personnel for their noble sacrifices which paved the way for the eradication of LTTE terrorism that plagued the entire nation for over three decades. Their true heroism and unflinching bravery, shown under the most trying conditions at a very crucial juncture in the humanitarian operation conducted to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Motherland, is remembered with the deepest gratitude and saluted according the highest honour.
The main programme was held at the Eastern Naval Command Headquarters under the supervision of the Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Rohana Perera on 27th December 2014. Over 64 families of the KIA, MIA and WIA naval personnel attended the event consisting of medical clinics conducted by consultant physicians & renowned specialists and consultations on welfare-related matters. The felicitation was replete with many fond memories shared with the caring naval personnel serving in the Eastern Naval Area who made every effort to make the ENA programme a grand success. They were aptly commended for their efforts by all the families that attended the event.
The defeating of the most ruthless and well-equipped terrorist organization is the greatest achievement of our times, made possible by the unwavering political leadership of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the far-sighted military guidance of the Secretary of Defense Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The President and the Secretary of Defense’s steadfast support had been the towering strength behind the naval personnel’s inspiration to cruise ahead notwithstanding the suicidal threats both at sea and on land to achieve the final victory that has brought the lasting peace we all enjoy today.
Unlike in the rest of the world, Sri Lankan war heroes are never forgotten and relegated to obscurity as a spent force. Thanks’ to the Government’s timely intervention and the respective Service Commanders’ continuous concerns, numerous welfare measures are being implemented to assist the war heroes and their families. Houses, land, financial loans, medical facilities, assistance for children’s education are but a few provided to ensure that they and their families are well-cared for by a grateful society that holds in eternal gratitude the sacrifice of their tomorrow for the wellbeing they enjoy today. The first ever military reality show, “Ranaviru Real Star”, is also a fitting public tribute to the forces’ personnel to show that they are appreciated for their talents as humane men and women behind the guns. The heart-felt cheer and the resounding applause accorded whenever they come on stage is evidence for the love and the respect all the true citizens of Mother Lanka have for the noble sons and daughters who changed their destiny in the annals of the country.
Parallel felicitations are being conducted in the respective Naval Areas under the direction of the Commander of the Navy.
