The 5th National Victory Day celebration was held this morning
in the Matara Coast. President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the venue following the arrival of Parliamentarians, Heads of Security Forces, Diplomats and senior public officials. The national flag was hoisted thereafter. 40 female soldiers inclusive of women constables of the three armed forces, police and civil defense force sang the National Anthem. The commanders of the three armed forces and the IGP inducted the President to the special podium at the ceremony. A one minute silence was observed in memory of the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to the nation. Thereafter the Gun Salute took place. The three armed forces and the civil defence force accorded Guard of Honor to the President. The President thereafter inspected the Guard of Honor. Addressing the ceremony the President emphasized that the victory was not a war victory but a victory achieved by all those who dedicated themselves to achieve peace. The President said that it was five years ago, on a day like today, every inch of the land and one third of the coast were regained. He said that as the leader of the nation, Commander in Chief and as the Trustee, the leadership was given until the final phase to achieve what the people expected. The mandate given by the people over and over again is due to the trust of the people for achieving what they wanted. All challenges will be met at all times. It was during a short period of four years that all that was neglected during 30 years had to be achieved. The development is done with a long term vision. He pointed out that the elections in the North were held and democratic rights of the people there were strengthened. There is no media censorship and journalists were even allowed to be on the war front. The people who speak about democracy in Sri Lanka should be asked to think about the recent past. He said that the country is opened to the world. The victory should be continued to be celebrated irrespective of the participation. It is easy to develop the country when there is a clear understanding between communities. The greatest honor that could be bestowed on the departed once, is not to allow the betrayal of the freedom won and living together. Speaking further the President said that the services to the public would be continued despite the obstacles. He pointed out that protecting peace and unity in the country was the highest honor to the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives to the country. The Victory parade was held in a grand scale. The Army March Past was followed by the Navy. Naval crafts added colour to the Parade. Air Crafts flew over the Air Force March Past. Thereafter the Police and the Civil Defence Force had their March Past. The combat Parade of Army, Navy, Air force, Police and Civil Defence Force took place thereafter. Navy and attack air crafts used for combat, were part of the Parade. The disabled soldiers also joined the March Past. A parachute display was part of the victory day celebration. Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Parliamentarians, Ministry Secretaries, Senior Security Forces officials, diplomats and a large number of people were present at the ceremony.
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