Civilian heroes will join Independence Day parade

Civilian heroes who had been awarded annual civilian bravery awards will participate in today’s Independence day parade for the first time along with the tri forces, the Foundation for Civilian Bravery said yesterday.

Following is the media statement issued by the foundation.

The Foundation is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding Civilians who save the lives of others in peril at the risk of their own lives. Every year the Foundation awards Medals of Bravery at an annual ceremony in the presence of a distinguished gathering in Colombo. The Foundation for Civilian Bravery successfully completed its 25th Annual Award Ceremony at BMLCH, with Speaker Karu Jayasuriya as the Chief Guest and Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa, in July 2019.

The Foundation came in to being on January 13, 1993 as a Trust and Kasun P Chandraratne, its Founder. It is presently incorporated by the Parliament Act No 4 of 2009.

Civilian Heroes will for the first time in history march together with the tri forces and the Police as they take apart in the 72nd Independence Day Parade. The honour has been granted on the approval of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Twenty five awardees - including four women -will participate at the National Parade. This is the first occasion where Civilians Heroes are participating together with the Armed Services and Police at the Nation’s most important day. It is a significant achievement in respect to civilians as a whole and especially for the Foundation for Civilian Bravery which for the past 25 years has worked tirelessly to bring recognition to the bravery of ordinary’ people.

The Foundation came in to being on January 13, 1993