Today marks the 17th Anniversary of the Victory Day Commemoration

The 17th National War Heroes’ Day commemoration was solemnly and proudly held on the evening of 19.05.2026 in front of the War Heroes’ Memorial at the Parliament Grounds, under the patronage of the His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to mark Victory Day (18 May 2009), which symbolized the triumph of the humanitarian operation against LTTE terrorism.

Religious dignitaries, local and international guests, the Commanders of the Tri-Forces, the Inspector General of Police Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, Senior Police Officers, parents of fallen war heroes, disabled veterans, and many others attended the event, representing all those who made immense sacrifices to secure victory.

During the North and Eastern conflict, which spanned more than three decades, 2,598 officers of the Sri Lanka Police sacrificed their lives in terrorist attacks, both on the battlefield and while carrying out official duties. This figure is second only to the number of personnel who lost their lives from the Sri Lanka Army. In addition, 1,575 police officers were left permanently disabled as a result of the conflict.

Amid military honors and salutes presented by the President and other distinguished guests, family members who attended the ceremony paid floral tributes to the police and military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. As in previous years, the occasion became a deeply emotional moment that moved many in attendance.

The 17th National War Heroes’ Day commemoration concluded successfully with a renewed pledge to always remember and honor the police heroes and members of the Tri-Forces who sacrificed their lives to safeguard the freedom and peace enjoyed by the nation today.