President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who had earlier indicated he would not be attending the 16th Victory Day War Heroes Commemoration—marking the defeat of separatist LTTE terrorism—has now confirmed his participation.
The Patriotic National Front and the Arya Foundation held a press conference in Colombo yesterday, reminding the President, as the Commander-in-Chief, of his duty to attend the commemoration.
This followed a statement by retired Brigadier Senarath Kohona, Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority, that the event at the Battaramulla Parliament Grounds would be attended by the Deputy Defense Minister instead of the President.
The absence of both the President and the Prime Minister raised concerns on social media and among many, including retired military personnel, questioning whether top leadership was rejecting the War Heroes’ remembrance. While it’s customary for the Prime Minister to step in when the President is unavailable, assigning a Deputy Minister caused significant public disapproval.
Sri Lanka’s traditional protocol places the President, Prime Minister, Speaker, Opposition Leader, Cabinet Ministers, Field Marshal, and senior officials at the top tier of national events. Delegating such a solemn occasion to a Deputy Minister was seen by some as a disregard for the significance of the ceremony.
However, just moments before the event, Brigadier Kohona stated on national television that the commemoration would indeed be led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
