The 81st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony was commemorated today (16 November) at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo.

The annual event, organized by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association in collaboration with the Armed Services, honored the memory and sacrifices of Sri Lankan war heroes who laid down their lives in defence of the nation.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), were present as Guests of Honour.

Upon her arrival, Prime Minister Amarasuriya was received by the President of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association, Lieutenant Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya (Retd).

The ceremony commenced with religious observances followed by the observance of a two-minute silence in memory of all fallen heroes.

Floral tributes were respectfully offered at the War Memorial by the Prime Minister, dignitaries, and representatives of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for their supreme sacrifice.

The ceremony drew the presence of key dignitaries including, Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army and Navy, foreign envoys, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, high-ranking officers of the Tri-Forces, representatives of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association, and the families of fallen war heroes.