The price of freedom remembered at salute to the fallen
As with many major events over the past two months, the coronavirus pandemic had a tangible impact on the 11th anniversary commemoration of the end of the war against terrorism in Sri Lanka.
The health and social distancing measures enforced throughout the island meant that most commemorations, including religious events, were not possible.
Even the main National War Heroes’ Commemoration in Battaramulla was scaled down this year due to the coronavirus, with a limited number of guests and relatives of war heroes invited.
Most who attended wore face masks.
Chief Guest President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was an exception, as he chose to forgo a face mask for the occasion.
The ceremony at the National War Heroes’ Monument was also attended by two for mer Presidents; Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, under whose presidency the war was brought to an end, and former President Maithripala Sirisena.
Gover nment ministers, officials, former and current senior officers of the armed forces and police were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that with the end of terrorism, an environment where people could live without fear or anxiety and enjoy their human rights freely was created.
“Our war heroes and their families made immense sacrifices to usher in peace to the country which was engulfed in terror. War is not a bed of roses. The war heroes had to face numerous bitter experiences and difficulties when battling one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations in the world which did not respect law,” he stressed.
“The prime objective of the Humanitarian Mission was to bring lasting peace in the country. Because of the exceptional sacrifices made by our war heroes, today we have the opportunity to live in peace and harmony in a unitary state.”
“The motive of the extremists was to divide us. If they were successful in their attempt, our history could have taken a different course. Sri Lanka could have become a country where communities hate each other, engage in continuous battles for borders, fear of war is a common norm of life and another hapless and divided country.”
As an officer who had served for around 20 years and as the Secretary of Defence for 10 years, Mr Rajapaksa said he was well aware of the sacrifices made by war heroes.
“Pain of the war is not strange to me,” he emphasised, insisting that he will not allow any attempt to “discredit and destroy the dignity of war heroes” who made countless sacrifices to bring peace to the country.
“I assure you that under my administration, we will take every measure always to protect the dignity of our heroic forces. It is a national responsibility to ensure their rights.”
“If any international body or organization continuously targets our country and our war heroes, using baseless allegations, I will also not hesitate to withdraw Sri Lanka from such bodies or organizations ,” Mr Rajapaksa emphasissed.
“The highest honour that can be bestowed on them is to transform this country which was protected by them by laying down their lives to a land where every citizenry can live in peace, harmony and with dignity,” the President concluded, inviting all patriotic citizens to make their fullest contribution towards this endeavour.
The ceremony ended with guests and several relatives laying wreaths at the foot of the monument to war heroes. Three helicopters from the Sri Lanka Air Force also scattered flowers over the monument.