'Armed Forces Remembrance Day – 2022’ celebrated in dignified sequence

The solemn occasion of commemorating war veterans who paid the supreme sacrifice for the freedom of Motherland, at ‘Armed Forces Remembrance Day Commemoration Ceremony - 2022, was held at the Cenotaph War Memorial in the Viharamahadevi Park today (13th November 2022). The dignified ceremony, presided over by the Defence Secretary, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), was attended by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

The Remembrance Day was originally adopted to honour the servicemen who sacrificed their lives during World War I and II. In Sri Lanka, the movement also signifies the supreme sacrifice made by the heroic servicemen in the defence of the Motherland with true spirit of patriotism, and is commemorated in the month of November each year.

This year’s commemorative ceremony was organized by Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) at Cenotaph War Memorial, Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. Commencing the proceedings, a two-minute silence was observed in honour of fallen servicemen. Subsequently, the Defence Secretary made floral tributes to the War Memorial recalling those brave souls perished for a noble cause. Soon after, the gesture was reciprocated by the Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Air Force, senior officers from tri-services, retired senior officers from tri-services and distinguished guests.

Coinciding with the main event of commemoration, the Sri Lanka Navy also held Remembrance Day ceremonies today at the Navy Headquarters in Colombo, with the attendance of Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera and officers and sailors from the Navy Headquarters and SLNS Parakrama. In addition Remembrance Day commemorative events have also been held in other naval areas with the participation of naval personnel from ships and establishments.