News
We will never forget our war heroes: President Sirisena
View(s):
The President addresses the gathering
President Maithiripala Sirisena in his address on War Heroes Remembrance Day, on Wednesday, said the Government will, without fail, commemorate the valiant war heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of the motherland.
He also said the Government is committed to the welfare of the families of the disabled war heroes.
He said there are allegations by people that the Government is hunting war heroes, but those who say that are the same group that once put soldiers in jail.
The President said that people elected the new government on January 8 with the expectation to fulfill the responsibilities in a postwar era by preventing another war in this country.
“The new government is now working to fulfil that responsibility to prevent another war in the country through strengthening of the national reconciliation process,” he said.
“It is not an easy task to unite the hearts of the people while fulfiling the responsibilities of a post-conflict era. Politicians, war heroes and the people of the country should get together to strengthen the reconciliation process,” the President said.
President Sirisena laid a floral tribute at the War Heroes Monument.
Families of soldiers killed in the conflict, on Wednesday braved the adverse weather to attend the War Heroes Remembrance Day commemoration at Parliament grounds in Kotte.
A woman weeps for a loved one. Pix by Amila Gamage
Families thronged in their numbers to remember the fallen