In a statement released yesterday, Sri Lanka’s commander of the Army Mahesh Senanayake payed tribute to “War heroes who defended the motherland” and “rescued thousands of innocent Tamil civilians,” whilst “protecting the country’s unitary status.”
Lieutenant General Senenayake outlined the launch of a “special programme” to commemorate Sri Lanka’s armed force that “sacrificed their tomorrow.. defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unitary status of Sri Lanka.”
He added,
"Nine years have passed by 19 May 2018 since the eradication of terrorism from our soil."
The Army Commander's statement concluded,
“At this moment, I wish all brave War Heroes who sacrificed their lives for protection of the country's unitary status and precious lives of the general public attain supreme bliss of Nibbhana.”
See full statement on army website here.
As Tamils across the North-East and diaspora mark Tamil Genocide day on the final day of the Mullivaikkal massacres on May 18th, the Sri Lankan government will mark 'War Hero day' on May 19th.
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