Let us not forget that we owe an eternal debt of gratitude to every single member of the armed forces who lay down their lives, to those who lie disabled and helpless for the rest of their lives, said former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

In a Facebook status update, in view of the War Hero Commemoration Day, Rajapaksa said “as we mark the 7th anniversary of victory over terrorism, I remember with deep appreciation, the immense sacrifices of the armed forces, in freeing our motherland from terror. 

I salute the brave soldiers who fought with determination, courage and an abiding love for their country, so that we could live in peace today. 

Defeating terrorism, which ravaged our country for three decades and affected every citizen, regardless of age, gender, race or religion, is a cause for celebration with dignity. 

Therefore, we must overcome the current attempts by unrelenting forces to persecute and tarnish the image of those who fought bravely for their motherland. Let us not forget that we owe an eternal debt of gratitude to every single member of the armed forces who lay down their lives, to those who lie disabled and helpless for the rest of their lives, and to those who sacrificed their entire lives in the call of duty.

Let us honour their sacrifices by safeguarding the hard-won peace we enjoy today.”