The ceremony to mark
the National (War Heroes) Ranaviru Day was held to commemorate
the war heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the
sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the motherland near
the Ranaviru monument at Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, yesterday
(June 07).
His Excellency the
President Mahinda Rajapakse, the speaker Mr. W.J.M. Loku Bandara,
Presidential Secretary Mr. Lalith Weerathunga, Defence Secretary
Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapakse, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief
Marshal Donald Perera, Commanders of the Tri Forces and the IGP
graced the occasion. Major General W.P.P Fernando, Chairman of
Ranaviru Seva Authority welcoming the distinguished guests said
the nation is indebted to the war heroes who sacrificed their
lives for the sake of the motherland.
He further said the
commemorative ceremony held yesterday (June 07) before the
Ranaviru Monument erected in 2008 is a fitting, tribute to them.
Ven Prof Bellanwila Wumalarathana Nayake Thero said this years
Ranaviru Commemoration Day is historic because the dreams of the
war heroes have become a reality today. The nation today enjoys
the real value of their martyrdom. He pointed out the astute
leadership of the H.E. the President Mahinda Rajapakse has been
the decisive factor in this historiac victory. Though terrorist
V. Prabhakaran had said that the defeat of the LTTE was a day
dream, the people today rejoice because the Ealam dream has now
been shattered, thanks to the leadership of the President
Rajapakse and the gallantry of the war heroes, the Ven. Prof.
Wimalaratna asserted. Sri Lakshmikanth Jagadheeshwara,
M.H.M.Lafir Mowlawi and Rev. Fr. Sarath Hettiarachchi blessed
the war heroes, representing the Hindu, Islam and Christian
religions respectively.
A two minute silence
was observed in honour of the war heroes. H.E. President Mahinda
Rajapakse the Speaker, Defence Secretary, Tri Service commanders
and the IGP along with the relatives of the war heroes placed
floral tributes at the monument.
The love for the
motherland can never be forgotten no matter where in the world
one may reside. Sri Lanka is a country which proudly claims sons
and daughters of that kind. During the past few months many
expatriates have donated vast amounts for the "Api Wenuwen Api"
fund for the valiant soldiers who freed our motherland. Ms.
Bhashini Wijerathne, an accountant residing in Australia donated
a sum of Rs. 25,000 of her personal money to the "Api Wenuwen
Api" fund. The sum was donated on her behalf by her father to
the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Mr. Willy
Gamage at a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence,
Public Security, Law and Order premises today (04).
South Asia Apparels (PVT) Ltd employees contribute "Api Wenuwen
Api" housing project
South Asia Apparels (PVT) Ltd
officers & staff donate their one day payment to the "Api
Wenuwen Api" housing project. The total of Rs 400,000 was handed
over to the secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksha in a charm
ceremony held at Defence Ministry premises on 25th may 2009
Director of South Asia Apparels (PVT) Ltd Mr J. P. Senaka
Jayalal and Administrative manager Mr M. Taranga Wicramaratna
were present at this occasion.
Showing the
gratitude for the war heroes who have sacrificed their lives and
limbs for defending the motherland, employees of Unichela Pvt
Ltd of MAS group made a financial donation to the "Api Wenuwen
Api" housing project. The cheque worth of 99,600 rupees was
officially handed over to the Additional Secretary of the
defence ministry Mr Wili Gamage by the vice president of the
Unichela Employees union in a charm function head at the defence
ministry premises on 25th May.
HE President
Mahinda Rajapaksa and war heroes blessed by Bodhi Puja, and Alms
Giving at
Kingsbury
Buddhist Vihara London - UK
Sri Lanka
freedom party UK branch and SLAT UK organised a Bodhi Puja and
Alms Giving on 23rd and 24th May at Sri Saddhatissa
International Buddhist temple, Kingsbury, London to bless HE
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya
Rajapakse, Government Spokesman for Defence and National
Security Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella, Army Commander General Sarath
Fonseka, Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, Air Chief
Marshal Roshan Goonetileke, Inspector General of Police Jayantha
Wickramarathna and all the service men and women of the security
forces who are rendering great service for the integrity of the
motherland.
A saffron robe
was offered to the monks by HE High Commissioner to UK Justice
Nihal Jayasinghe in memory of the war heroes who sacrificed
their lives. President SLFP UK branch offered Ata Pirikara to
monks. The event was well attended by devotees living in and
around London. Galayaye Piyadassi thero initiated the Puja and
Venerable Dr. Handuru Palpola Mahinda thero blessed HE the
President and all the war heroes. Wanduramba Kassapa thero
expounded on the two day ceremony and transferred merit to those
who gave their lives for peace in our Motherland Sri Lanka.
Finally monks chanted Paritta blessing on behalf of everybody in
Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka
Freedom Party president UK branch thanked everyone who supported
and attended the ceremony.
