Sri Lanka today (18th May) celebrates the 12th war victory, which took place in 2009 defeating the 30-year long terrorism. The victory, which rescued the country from the terrorism subsequent to a giant fight is owned by the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Civil Defense Force, and the Special Task Force. The brave war heroes despite their lives fought for one country while evacuating the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim ordinary people alike, who were in the battle zone.
The National War Heroes’ Day will be commemorated on May 19. The Nation’s tribute will be given in memory of all fallen patriotic War Heroes of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Security Department (CSD) at the 12th National War Heroes’ Day.
A total of 28,619 from the Army (23,962), Navy (1160), Air Force (443), together with 2,598 Policemen and 456 Civil Security Department personnel, who had made the supreme sacrifice in the fight against LTTE terrorism before May 2009 will be remembered by all for their gallantry, invaluable and selfless dedication during this day.
Today May 18 marks an important landmark in Sri Lankan history. 12 years ago when the three-decade-old conflict was brought to end, the members of Armed Forces were widely respected and honoured for the valiant role they played in defeating the most ruthless terrorists of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). While that exalted position did not diminish over the years, there was a definite decline as the public attention was diverted to economic issues and other mundane affairs.
On the eve of the 12th anniversary of the May 2009 victory, there was sudden upswing in the illustrious position of the Armed Forces in the public eye due to the courageous role played in the national campaign to curb COVID19 pandemic. The relentless campaign by the health authorities, ably supported by the Armed Forces, did not diminish even after it was found out that several security forces had tested positive for COVID19.