The first Flag of the National Heroes Flag Day was pinned on President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday(May 07)  morning at Temple Trees during a ceremony inaugurating a month dedicated to the war heroes.

The first flag was pinned on the President by Deepika Rasangika Jayasundare, daughter of war hero S.P. Gamini Jajasundare who had laid down his life for the country. Speaking on this memorable occasion President Rajapaksa stated "we should always remember our war heroes who have laid down their lives to preserve the Sovereignty and National integrity of the motherland". The President said that the children of war heroes must be looked after and that providing for their welfare should be considered a duty.

"Our soldiers have not only fought, but engaged themselves in many humanitarian and social activities, not only helped in construction of roads and bridges but also helped the people in the newly liberated areas in the East to breathe freely." Present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, Secretary Ministry of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, several ministers, Commanders of the Forces, Senior Officers of the Security Forces, and Governors of Provincial Councils.

(Courtesy : Ministry of Defence and Government Information Department )