President opens monument of protectors of democracy and freedom

By Dhaneshi Yatawara

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“Soldiers’ contribution to protect democracy and freedom of the country is immense and should be treasured,” President Mahinda Rajapaksa said while addressing the gathering at the grand opening ceremony of the war heroes’ monument at Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, yesterday.

“I believed it is very important to erect war heroes’ monument facing Parliament, the uppermost institution of the country’s democratic system.

It is important to keep in memory that it was the average soldier who committed himself to protect democracy at a time when it was getting crushed by terrorism,” the President added.

President Rajapaksa lit the eternal lamp at the monument on the Parliament grounds in an elegant ceremony, yesterday evening in the presence of Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, Cabinet Ministers, Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri Force commanders, Inspector General of Police several distinguished guests, and parents and family members of the fallen heroes.

“The soldier and the officer at the Forward Defence Lines standing face to face with the enemy do not get a chance even to speak about their difficulties though some people living in the south of the country speak with hatred about the country and its people,” President lamented.

President Rajapaksa emphasized that there will be no turning back in the battle against terrorism when throughout in the past it was a failure due to short sighted political agendas.

President Rajapaksa emphasized that he and the Government were not ready to betray the troops though they have to face the international forces that were attempting to withdraw the steps we had taken against terrorism, and by replying to the false charges they made.

As we remember and honour our Heroes of War, on behalf of the country and the nation, we pledge to complete the task of safeguarding democracy and restoring peace for which they sacrificed their lives and assure you all that the day is not far when we shall accomplish this.

The 80 feet tall monument built by the Sri Lanka Army Engineers Corp, the brainchild of President Rajapaksa, commemorates war heroes of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force and the Police who had sacrificed their lives during the past three decades.