President calls for unity, peace and reconciliation at 16th War Heroes' Commemoration

PRESIDENT Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday made a powerful call for national unity, justice, and lasting peace during the 16th War Heroes' Commemoration Ceremony held at the War Heroes' Memorial in Battaramulla.

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■Says remembrance must lead to promise of no more conflict in Sri Lanka Describes memorial as symbol of love, unity and brotherhood

■Pays tribute to fallen soldiers and honours pain of all families, Sinhala and Tamil alike

■Warns against using ethni divisions for political gain

■Calls on people to reject war glorification and see peace as strength, not weakness Opines real freedom needs both political justice and economic independence

Addressing the solemn gathering, the President asserted that remembrance must transcend tribute—it must serve as a pledge to never allow conflict to rise again in Sri Lanka.

"This memorial is not just a place of remembrance. It is a solemn pledge that we will build a society of unity, love, and brotherhood—not one filled with hatred and division."

The annual commemoration honours the thousands of Sri Lankan military personnel who laid down their lives during the three-decade-long civil war that ended in 2009. Attended by military officials, families of fallen heroes, Government representatives, and the public, the event marked a day of reflection and recommitment to national healing.

In his address, the President paid tribute to the soldiers whose names are etched on the memorial walls, describing their sacrifice as the cornerstone of Sri Lanka's hard-won peace. He acknowledged the pain endured by families across the nation regardless of ethnicity, who continue to mourn loved ones lost to the war.

"The tears of mothers, the grief of wives, the anguish of children-these stories are not bound by region or race. North or South, Tamil or Sinhala, all have suffered. Their pain must be the reason we never allow history to repeat itself," he added.