The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the previous speaker claimed that though the JVP is in Government, they conduct commemorations. This is not a token ceremony for show; now, for the first time, we are conducting a genuine war heroes’ commemoration.

¶ 02 During your periods in power, did you truly commemorate war heroes, or did you use soldiers to serve your family interests and political agendas? As someone who served 21 years in the Navy, I know soldiers were confined to camps for months to sweep streets, clean roads, trim trees for your spectacles. Our soldiers suffered because of those elite pageants.

¶ 03 On this 15th War Heroes’ Remembrance Day of the National Victory, I am honoured to speak. A previous Member claimed there was a genocide of Tamils. Our Tri-Forces are professional forces. They fought a humane war. We personally know that rations, medicines, and assistance were given to northern civilians even by sacrificing from soldiers’ supplies. At no time did our professional soldiers commit genocide. They ended the LTTE to bring peace to the nation.

¶ 04 However, due to political agendas, after 13 soldiers were killed in Thirunelveli on 23 July 1983, and other incidents, politics led to “Black July” and a protracted conflict, costing by 18 May 2009 the lives of 28,589 Army, 11,160 Navy, 443 Air Force, 2,568 Police, and 456 Civil Defence personnel.

¶ 05 The war was prolonged by political manifestos, not by our soldiers. Even when we were in Opposition, over 40,000 retired Tri-Forces personnel stood with us; today the entire Tri-Forces and retirees stand with this Government. Now they receive proper respect; no one orders them to sweep canals or cheer at sports meets. Therefore, the true commemoration is today, under this Government.

¶ 06 The greatest tribute to those who sacrificed eyes, limbs, blood, and life to safeguard territorial integrity, unity, and peace is to move forward as one nation beyond ethnic and religious divisions. We pray that all fallen heroes attain the supreme bliss in their respective faiths and that living heroes and heroines enjoy good health. I conclude.

¶ 07 Thank you.