Minister Vijitha Herath informed the media that no political figures have been invited for the War Heroes Day Ceremony held in Battaramulla today.

He made the statement in response to questions on why former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had not been invited for the Victory Day commemoration. 

”The President, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala, and the tri-forces will participate in the event. No others have been invited,” he said, addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing held today. (Newswire)

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A special traffic plan will be implemented in Colombo this afternoon (19) in view of the National War Heroes Commemoration Day ceremony, which is scheduled to be held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the War Heroes Memorial near the Parliament Grounds.

The Sri Lanka Police has announced that from 3.30 pm onwards, traffic leaving Colombo will be restricted at Polduwa Junction, while entry into Colombo will be restricted at Kiyannam Junction. 

Vehicles will be diverted to alternative routes through Battaramulla, Palantuna, and Rajamalwatta depending on their direction of travel.

Alternative routes:

• Vehicles leaving Colombo via Parliament Road can travel through Polduwa Junction, Battaramulla, Palantuna, and Kiyannam Junction.
• Vehicles entering Colombo via Kiyannam Junction can travel through Palam Thuna and Battaramulla.
• Vehicles coming from Rajamalwatta via Bodhiraja Mawatha can reach Battaramulla Road and proceed along the required routes.

The Police further announced designated parking areas for buses and trucks, including stretches along Japan Friendship Road.

Parking for buses and trucks:

• From Japan Friendship Road Junction up to Kimbulawala Junction.
• From near the Ceylon Electricity Board on Japan Friendship Road up to Pelawatta.

The Police urge motorists to follow the traffic plan to minimize congestion and ensure smooth proceedings during the national ceremony. (Newswire)

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In line with the 16th Ranaviru Day commemorations, the Sri Lanka Army has promoted 10,093 non-commissioned officers (NCOs), effective May 19, 2025.

According to the Army, 225 senior NCOs holding the rank of Warrant Officer II have been promoted to Warrant Officer I. 

Another 816 senior NCOs in the rank of Staff Sergeant have been elevated to Warrant Officer II. Additionally, 1,191 Sergeants have been promoted to Staff Sergeant.

Among other promotions, 2,302 Corporals have been promoted to Sergeant, 3,468 Lance Corporals to Corporal, and 2,091 Privates to Lance Corporal.

The Sri Lanka Army states the promotions were granted in recognition of the service and commitment of its personnel. (Newswire)

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