“No More Mistakes: A National Appeal to Protect the Integrity of Future Victory Days”
Posted on May 20th, 2025
Shenali Waduge
Let May 18 be a day of Honor, not Revenge or Amnesia
As Sri Lanka reflects on the significance of May 18, the Government must ensure that all future Victory Day commemorations are marked with dignity, truth, and national gratitude — not silence, distortion, or political bias.
This appeal is to set a consistent national standard going forward — to properly honor those who sacrificed and to preserve the historical truth for future generations.
Key Demands
1. President’s Presence Is Essential
The Commander-in-Chief must attend the main ceremony in person.
Victory Day is a national duty — not optional.
2. A Statesman-like, Non-Political Speech addressed to the Nation
· Refer to all war heroes as Ranaviruwo”, not just soldiers”.
· Name and thank: the 2009 President, Defense Secretary, Tri-Service & Field Commanders.
· Tell the Truth: LTTE terrorism was defeated militarily after decades of failed peace.
· Highlight the rescue of 300,000 civilians as a humanitarian triumph.
3. Protect Victory Day from Dilution
· Do not rename, water down, or politicize May 18 with new politicized definitions
· Reiterate that it was a victory over terrorism, not Tamils.
Highlight that Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces saved & prevented Tamil children from being turned into LTTE Child Soldiers.
· This truth must be reaffirmed & repeated yearly.
4. Nationwide Participation & Media Coverage
· Schools, public institutions, and state media must formally mark the day with tributes, documentaries & stories of sacrifice
5. Respect & Recognize War Veterans (not LTTE Terrorists)
· Legally recognize Victory Day.
· Invite veterans and families of the fallen — treat them with dignity.
· Give them a voice, not a token seat.
· Ban display of ALL LTTE INSIGNIA – Mourning does not require terrorist symbols, flags or emblems
This Is Not a Celebration of War — It’s a Day of Liberation / Defeating Terrorism
Sri Lanka did not defeat a people. Sri Lanka defeated Terrorists & Terrorism.
Sri Lanka saved its people, including Tamils, from tyranny.
Let no activist, foreign lobby, or politician erase that truth.
Let Victory Day be remembered — with respect, truth, and unity.
To be submitted to:
The President / Ministry of Defense / Tri-Forces Leadership / National Media /
Sri Lankan Embassies Worldwide
May 20th, 2025 at 5:29 am
I Agree entirely, Presidents attendance is Mandatory , not optional.
In New Zealanad, we are remindeD of imprtance of commemorating the sacrifices of Ranaviru for their sacrifices 16 years ago, when annually the ANZAC day is similarly commemorated on the 25 th of April for the ANZACS. sacrfices in Gilapoli in 1916,
with dawn parades and other functions where the Governor General as head of state and prime minister lead the commemorations.
One of the objectives is to make the present day New Zealanders remember gratefully their fore fathers sacrifices that has permitted their comfortable life today, over 100years later.
In keeping with his tradition, I am pleased to note that , every year since 2009, the United Sri Lanka Asociation, Wellington New Zealand has had this commemoration and I have had the priviledge, as it’s spokesperson , to offer reflections on every occasion,
Against this background I was very disappointed with the doubt of the Presidents attendance tis year , till the very last day.
It is probably pertinent to have the week leading upto this day as ” Remebrance Week” , to pay respects to the sacrifices of not only the Ranaviru but also th innocent victims from all races of this conflict nd educate the present generation of these true realities lest they become victims to the false narratives coming from overseas, especially Canada.
I also feel that this would be an excellent occasion to bill bridges between nembers of all communities , with the singing of the national anthem not only in Sinhala but also in Tamil , making it a turely national event.
Drr.Chula Rajapakse MNZM
Spokeperso, United Sri Lanka Association
20.5.25