Sri Lanka commemorates 2nd Anniversary of the War Victory
The 2nd anniversary celebrations of the War Victory and Victory Parade were held at the Colombo’s seafront Galle Face promenade this morning, under the patronage of President Rajapaksa.
The Victory Day parade celebrates the second anniversary of the military victory over the LTTE back in May 2009
with pride. After the arrival of Parliamentarians and officials of the Armed Forces, the Inspector General of Police and the heads of the Armed Forces and the Chief of Defence Staff were conducted to the venue in a procession. Thereafter the Defence Secretary, the President’s Secretary, the Chief Justice and the Speaker arrived. Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne was greeted after his arrival in a motorcade. President Rajapaksa, who is the Commander in Chief, was then conducted to the venue in a colourful motorcade.
The national anthem was rendered by a group including women cadres of the Police and the Civil Defence Force, after the President hoisted the National Flag. A minutes silence was observed remembering the heroes who made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the motherland. This was followed by the Guard of Honour accorded to President Rajapaksa by members of the Armed Forces.
President Rajapakse, along with the heads of Security Forces, inspected the Guard of Honour, provided by armed forces personnel, at Galle Face Green during the Victory Day ceremony.
An extravagant military parade displayed over 9,000 troops from the three armed forces, the police, and the Civil Defence Force representing their units. A highlight was the conduct of three parades distinguished as the East, Jaffna and the Wanni, representing the war heroes who made a vital contribution to the humanitarian operations.
Members of the Sri Lanka Navy joined in the parade in the sea, displaying their skills against terrorism.
There was also a colourful display of fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Local as well as foreign VIPs and officers of the Armed forces were among the large gathering present.
