A solemn pledge for peace

“War is a tragedy. We will not allow such a tragedy to occur again in our country,” said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing the 16th War Heroes' Commemoration Ceremony on Monday (19) at the War Heroes' Memorial in Battaramulla. His speech was a heartfelt tribute to the fallen while delivering a clear message — the path to lasting peace lies in unity, compassion, and justice.

- By Adilah Ismail

The National War Heroes' Commemoration marks the end of a three-decade-long conflict that brought immense suffering to the people of Sri Lanka. Under the patronage of the Commander-in-Chief, the ceremony was held with dignity and solemnity. The President's address stood out not only for its tribute to the armed forces but also for its call to action: to ensure that the horrors of war are never repeated.

“To the parents and wives of our fallen war heroes, I say this: you have made tremendous sacrifices. The highest form of justice we can give your child or spouse is to ensure enduring peace in this land,” President Dissanayake said. He emphasized that standing before a memorial must be more than remembrance — it must be a pledge to never allow hatred and division to return.

Reflecting on the devastating consequences of war, he noted that its impact goes beyond battlefield losses. “Across our land — North and South — grief knows no ethnicity. Children have been orphaned, parents have buried their children, and wives have lost their life partners. The names engraved on these memorials remind us of the real cost of war.”