National War Heroes’ Day Commemoration held in dignified splendor under Hon. President’s patronage

The National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony 2026 was held with dignity on 19 May 26, at the War Heroes Memorial in Battaramulla. The solemn event, organized by the Ranaviru Seva Authority, was graced by the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

In a poignant tribute to the fallen brave hearts of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Civil Security Department who made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, the Hon. President placed the first floral wreath at the monument, leading the nation in remembrance.

Following the presidential tribute, senior military leaders who commanded the Armed Forces during the humanitarian operation, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, as well as the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) paid respects with floral tributes.

Subsequently, the Tri-Forces Commanders, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Civil Security Department, the Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority and personnel representing the Armed Forces, Police and Ranaviru Seva Authority laid wreaths to honour fallen comrades.

The commemoration ceremony concluded on a deeply emotional note as the immediate family members and next of kin of the heroic servicemen who perished in action stepped forward to lay flowers at the monument, honouring the timeless legacy of their loved ones.

In parallel with the national event, provincial commemoration ceremonies were also held with high prestige, at the War Heroes Monuments across provinces. These provincial ceremonies were presided over by the respective Governors, with the active participation of personnel from the Armed Forces, and the Police.