• Govt. caves into strong criticism
• Special Traffic Plan for Battaramulla

The Government yesterday (18) backpaddled on plans to hold the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony without the attendance of the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

The key government-calendar event held at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, pays tribute to the brave men and women of the armed forces, Police, and Civil Security Department who made the supreme sacrifice in defending the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the nation. It has been held continuously with full state patronage since the end of the conflict in 2009.

The Government on Friday (16) announced: “The ceremony will be held on 19 May from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the gracious presence of the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) representing the honorable President.”

However, following strong criticism both in the press, and on social media by public and veterans alike, about the absence of the President, or at least the lack of attendance by the Prime Minister in place of the Commander-in-Chief for the ceremony and the disrespect the absence implied, the Government issued another press release last afternoon, stating that the Commemoration Ceremony will be held with the attendance of the President.

“The 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony will be held on 19 May 2025, at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, under the esteemed patronage of Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces” the Ministry of Defence said in the press release.

A special traffic plan will be in place today around the Parliament area in Battaramulla due to the celebrations. The commemoration event is scheduled to be held from 4 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Accordingly, Police have urged motorists to use alternate routes during this period.