Tri-forces officials not allowed at Kurunegala commemoration - DS
May 16, 2016 04:23 pm
Officials of the tri-forces have no official permission to attend the National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony of Kurunegala, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Karunasena Hettiarachchi says.
The observation was made while speaking at a press conference held in Colombo this afternoon (16).
A separate commemoration ceremony is scheduled to be held under the patronage of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Kurunegala on May 18.
‘A Reminiscence of Reconciliation’, a cultural presentation of victory by the tri forces, police and civil security department will be held on May 18 evening at the Independence Square premises in Colombo. The cultural event will be held as a part of the War Hero commemoration programme.
A commemoration ceremony will also be held at the War Hero Monument in Battaramulla at 4.00 pm on the same day.
The programme will be held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena with the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Speaking at the press conference, Hettiarachchi said that reconciliation is essential for maintaining the lasting peace achieved after much sacrifices and this cultural programme is being held as a part of the government’s effort in promoting reconciliation among the people.
It is a farsighted measure taken by the government to reflect the Sri Lankan identity through reconciliation among the people of all races and religions. The President together with the Prime Minister and the government has decided to conduct such a programme this year in order to build lasting peace through reconciliation, friendship and brotherhood among the people, he further said.
