The fallen war heroes of Army, Navy, Air Force and Police who scarified their lives to save our motherland from the ruthless LTTE terrorists for the past three decades were commemorated by presenting the “Uththama Pooja Pranama” medal to their beloved parents and wives. The ceremony was held at Navy base Tangalle yesterday (28th November) under the patronage of Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa speaking at the event said that the government has initiated numerous welfare programmes for war heroes and given prime attention on the implementation of those programs. “President as the Commander-In-Chief has commanded the three forces and police to root out the three decade’s long terrorism not only to bring back lasting peace for the country but to safe all citizens of the country form fear of terrorism.” Secretary Defence added.
Further, the Secretary Defence requested all war heroes and Next-Of-Kin of those who scarified lives to forward their problems if any to Ranaviru Seva Authority directly, since there is a special programme to be implemented to address their grievances in district wise by the Ranavu Seva Authority.
“Since at the beginning of the war, nearly 30,000 war heroes have laid their lives to defend the motherland; and to pay homage to their noble sacrifices of inestimable value, His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to tribute them with a medal” the Secretary further said.
687 family members of fallen war heroes, received medals at the ceremony, of them 549 members from the Army, 45 Navy, 11 Air Force and 82 Police.
District Secretary of Hambantota Mr W.D Darmasena Chairperson of the Ranaviru Seva Authority Mrs. Padma Wettawa , Project Director of Ranaviru Seva Authority Mr. Ruberu Thanthirige , Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. S Hettiarachchi , Military Liaisons Officer of Ministry of Defence Major General (Rtd) Palitha Fernando , Security Forces Commander (South) Major General SR Manawaduge and Southern Naval Commander Rear Admiral WMLTB Ilangakoon were also present at the occasion.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , November 29, 2011; Image: navy