• Points out memorial will symbolize the pain, sufferings, losses and despondency of all war victims   

By Sandun A Jayasekera   

The cabinet has approved to erect a memorial in Colombo to commemorate all victims of the 30 year civil conflict namely armed forces and Police personnel, all civilians and combatants, Cabinet spokesman, Mass Media, Transport and Highways Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said yesterday.    

The memorial expected to be erected at a suitable location in Colombo will symbolize the pain, sufferings, losses and despondency of all war victims with discrimination to none, Minister Dr. Gunawardena stressed.   

“The civil war ended in 2009, brought immense and untold sufferings to all Sri Lankans notwithstanding their ethnicity, religion, caste, creed, political or social status. Though the armed conflict came to an end, all Sri Lankans are entangled in a severe economic, political, social and inter-communal unrest after more than 13 years to the end of the war disrupting the peaceful existence of all civilians. This is also in-spite of the official ratification and acceptance for the right for reparation, restructuring and reconciliation by the government to the victims of war. The memorial is meant to forget and forgive all atrocities, crimes and destruction committed by all involved in the civil war and give solace to their families and commemorate all war victims with honour and gratitude,” Minister Dr. Gunawardena noted. 

 
The relevant cabinet paper had been submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.