Ranaviru Pranama - the nation's tribute

Defeating terrorism which plagued the country for nearly three decades, Mother Sri Lanka has emerged with a new, radiant face. It now stands among nations with pride, as a free country, a free people, united under one flag.The fear that once gripped our hearts, the blood that bathed the land and the tears that poured down our faces have all disappeared. The suspicion, fear and hatred that caused an ethnic divide between the Sinhalese and the Tamils, has now been breached. The much awaited and longed for peace, has finally dawned in our beloved Motherland, thanks to the valiant efforts of the patriotic and brave sons and daughters of the Armed Forces and the Police.

A new spirit has been awakened in the people of this land. And so, with a smile on their faces and a song in their hearts, people from all walks of life, communities and religions flocked by the thousands to the Parliament grounds at Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte to pay tribute to the Armed Forces and revel in the joy of this historic achievement. Perhaps, many of you were there in person to witness the celebrations.

The Ranaviru Pranama was organised on May 22, which was National Heroes' Day, to celebrate the historic victory and honour the heroic deeds of all those who fought against terrorism, sacrificing life and limb. President Mahinda Rajapaksa who paved the way for this victory with courage and commitment, giving the proper leadership as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, was conferred the title of Vishwakeerthi Sri TriSinhaladheeswara, the highest honour paid to a citizen of this country, by the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters. A special ceremony was also held at the Magul Maduwa of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on May 23 to honour and invoke blessings on the President, Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera, Commanders of the Armed Forces - Army Commander, General Sarath Fonseka, Navy Commander, Admiral Wasantha Karannangoda and Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunatillake, IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne, Civil Defence Force Director General, Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera, all the Armed Forces personnel and the police force. A new page has been turned in our beloved Motherland. So, now let's all unite under one flag as the children of Mother Sri Lanka to build our country and let peace and prosperity spread from the north to the south, east to the west, forever!