Sri Lankans in Auckland commemorate
the Fallen Heroes
Mahinda Attanayake Vice
President
SPURNZ Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka
"Sri Lankans in Auckland Commemorated the "Ranaviruwos"
on 07 June 2008 at the MC Centre in the Sri Lankaramaya, Auckland.
The event was organised by the New Zealand Society for Peace, Unity
and Human Rights in Sri Lanka ( SPUR NZ) with Sri Lanka Returned Services
Association New Zealand (SLRSANZ). More than 200 people attended.
The event commenced with singing of the Sri Lankan National Anthem
and observing a two minutes silence to pay the respect to all those
who laid their lives to safeguard the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
The members of SPUR NZ described the importance of commemorating the
Ranaviru Day which has now become a national event observed by the Sri
Lankans living around the world. In addition to paying respect to the
soldiers who sacrificed their lives, it was emphasised the need to look
after the welfare of the disabled. Gratitude was also paid to those
valiant services personnel who are now in retirement after serving the
country. In essence, "the event was to pay the gratitude to the
heroic sons of Mother Lanka who sacrificed their tomorrow for our today."
The Chief Sangha Nayake of New Zealand Ven. Walgama Munindawansa Nayaka
Thero, Rev. Father Dharshana Jayamanne and Mr. M.C.A. Hassan addressed
the large gathering.Mr. Hassan’s speech was appreciated by many which
emphasised the valuable contributions made by the Muslim community to
safeguard the sovereignty of Sri Lanka in the past. All three religious
leaders appreciated the efforts made by the personnel in the security
forces in Sri Lanka to maintain the territorial integrity and sovereignty
of Sri Lanka. They paid respect to those who sacrificed their lives.
Mr. Wije Hinguruduwa described his experience at Ranaviru Sevana in
Sri Lanka and emphasised the need to look after the war heroes on behalf
of the nation.
The highlight of the ceremony was lighting of lamps by all participants
at 7pm as a show of gratitude to the fallen heroes and their families."This
was a part of a worldwide ceremony organised by the expatriate Sri Lankan
Community living around the world. New Zealand was the first country
to celebrate the event. The organisers wish to express their sincere
appreciation to those who attended the ceremony and to all others who
helped to make that event a resounding success.
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