Disabled war heroes receive standing ovation

by Manjula Fernando

Four years ago on the shores of Nandikadal lagoon, the brave Armed Forces defeated the LTTE, one of the most ruthless terrorist outfits in the world. Many refer to this historic day (June 18, 2009) as Sri Lanka’s second Independence Day because the Armed Forces ushered in freedom from a climate of fear and terrorism.

Today, thanks to their valiant efforts Sri Lanka remains peaceful and stable. The once war ravaged areas in the North and the East are being developed rapidly. The civilian victims of LTTE tyranny have been resettled. The landmines strewn across the North by the LTTE are being removed. in this biggest-ever Humanitarian Operation in the world.

The Nation once again expressed its gratitude to these heroes with a Humanitarian Victory Parade at Galle Face Green yesterday, marking the fourth anniversary of the end of the battle against terrorism. It was graced by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the chief architect of the victory, the Tri Forces Commanders, Police and Civil Defence Chiefs, ministers, MPs, diplomats and thousands of ordinary people from across the country.

The humanitarian victory parade, with the participation of more than 12,000 personnel, was led and coordinated by Major General L.B.R. Mark. The Parade second in command was Brigadier H.J. Seneviratne. The Naval component was commanded by Commodore KKJ de Silva while the Air Force Component was commanded by Air Commodore S.K. Pathirana.

The Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment accorded a 21-gun salute in honour of the President. Over 100 Army vehicles of different types including Armoured Tanks, Artillery Guns and Engineers’ Mine Clearing equipment were on display. It was the Army that played the leading role in defeating the LTTE. Over 50 naval craft sailed past the Galle Face Green and over 30 aircraft flew past in formation, reminding the gathering of the immense role played by the Navy and the Air Force in the victory over terrorism.

The parade comprised 550 officers and 6600 other ranks of the Army, 170 officers and 2700 sailors of the Navy, 140 officers and 1250 Airmen of the Air Force, 65 officers and 1450 Policemen of the Police, 20 officers and 700 personnel of the Civil Security Department.

The Navy’s sail past included fleet of six ships, three gun boats, 12 dworas, 6 wave riders and 26 arrow boats.

Sri Lanka Air Force Kfir jets flew in formation for the first time after a lapse of two years. The Air Force also exhibited some of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles which played a very important role in the battle against terrorism by collecting intelligence on enemy movements. Their contingent consisted one Bell 212, three Bell 412s, three MI 17s, three MI 24s, Four PT aircrafts, three AN 32s, one C 130 aircraft, four wipers, 3 Kfirs, two F7s, two Mig 27s and the paratroopers were dropped by an MI 17.

The police and the civil security department units, in their full ceremonial attire added colour to the victory day parade. Army de-miners, signallers and veterinary unit with sniffing dogs also drew attention of the onlookers.

Disabled soldiers and police personnel in wheel-chairs and army trucks received a standing ovation and applause from the president, special invitees and the public.

Among other highlights was a colourful paratroopers’ display, which was greeted with a thunderous applause as the Airborne Commandos landed gently at the Galle Face

Green. The march past included women’s units from the Tri Forces and Police, signifying their essential role in the humanitarian victory.

‘Parama Weera Vibushanaya’ (PWV), the highest gallantry medal was posthumously awarded to Captain G.N. Punsiri of Gajaba Regiment, Lieutenant W.D. Jayathilake of Gemunu Watch, Staff Sergeant K.G.N.L.R. Perera of Commando Regiment, Sergeant K.P.D.T. Gunasekara of Commando Regiment, Corporal H.A. Nilantha Kumara of Commando Regiment and Corporal S.V.A.M. Pushpamal of Commando Regiment on the same occasion by the Commander-in-Chief HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Their beloved sons and daughters, spouses and next of kin stood before the chief guest to receive those honours from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.