• Relatives of N-E origin Tamil and Muslim deceased soldiers to participate alongside Prez
• 5,289 Tri-Forces personnel promoted to next ranks 

The National Victory Day commemoration ceremony, marking 17 years since the defeat of terrorism, is scheduled to be held today (19) as in previous years. The ceremony will take place at the National War Heroes Monument in Battaramulla under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ranaviru Seva Authority stated. For the first time, the relatives of fallen soldiers from the Northern and Eastern Provinces will participate in this year’s (2026) commemoration.

Addressing a media briefing held at the Government Information Department, the Chairperson of the Authority, (Retired) Brigadier S B Kohona, confirmed the details of the event. ‘‘This year marks the 17th commemoration. We have introduced several special changes. Compared to previous years, we have significantly increased the participation of members of Ranaviru families. There are groups of Tamil and Muslim war veterans from the Northern and Eastern Provinces who joined the armed forces during the conflict and contributed to establishing peace. In most cases, we have not adequately included their association. Therefore, this year, we have created a special opportunity for the relatives of fallen soldiers from the Northern and Eastern Provinces to attend this event. We have invited around 30 such individuals, and they have confirmed their participation. Accordingly, this will be a special occasion where they will be able to join the President, pay tribute in honour of the nation, and express their respect in memory of their deceased loved ones.’’

Meanwhile, 5,289 Tri-Service personnel have been promoted to their respective next ranks in view of the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls today. The promotions have been granted to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. The Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland. Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.

Yesterday (18) marked 17 years since the defeat of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism that plagued Sri Lanka for more than three decades. The war officially came to an end on 18 May 2009, following the death of LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran at the hands of Sri Lankan military forces in the Nandikadal lagoon area. The roots of LTTE terrorism date back to 27 July 1975, with the assassination of the then Jaffna Mayor Alfred Duraiappah, regarded as one of the first major acts in the group’s separatist campaign. Over the years, the LTTE carried out numerous attacks across the island, claiming thousands of lives and causing widespread destruction. The group also targeted key economic installations, including the Central Bank and the Katunayake International Airport, in attempts to destabilise the country. Religious and cultural landmarks such as the Sri Maha Bodhi and the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy were also attacked, highlighting the brutality of the conflict. The closure of the Mavil Aru sluice gate, a critical water source for farmers in the Eastern Province, further intensified the humanitarian crisis and underscored the severity of the conflict. In response, the Sri Lankan armed forces launched a large-scale military operation, advancing through eight fronts with the objective of defeating LTTE terrorism. During the final stages of the war, the LTTE was accused of using civilians as human shields while the security forces simultaneously carried out humanitarian rescue operations to free civilians trapped in conflict zones. After overcoming numerous challenges, the conflict came to an end on 18 May 2009, with the death of Prabhakaran in Nandikadal, bringing closure to a war that lasted for over 30 years.