Sri Lanka today marks the anniversary of its liberation from a cruel thirty-year war waged by LTTE terrorists.

Seventeen years passed since the military defeat of the terror group, yet painful memories persist. The immense sacrifices made by the Sri Lankan military ensured the survival of the population and the entire territory. Modern peace rests upon the lives, blood, sweat, and tears of national heroes.

For three decades, citizens of all ethnicities lived under a cloud of fear and suspicion, with bomb blasts serving as a frequent occurrence. Attacks targeted sacred locations, including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises, the Kattankudy mosque, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. While thousands of war heroes lost their lives, others suffered permanent disabilities.

A decisive humanitarian operation commenced in August 2008 to free the nation from the grip of Velupillai Prabhakaran. Within less than a year, determined defence forces defeated the LTTE, restoring freedom to the country and eliminating the leader in 2009.

The nation owes a debt of gratitude to all who sacrificed for the cause, and preserving the dignity of these fallen heroes remains a fundamental duty for all Sri Lankans. Preserving unity, harmony, and peace in a free nation serves as the ultimate tribute to those who gave their lives for the country.