Deputy Minister of Defence Attends ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Colombo

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and paid tribute at the ANZAC memorial monument during the annual commemoration held last Saturday (25 April) at the Jawatta Liveramentu Commonwealth War Cemetery in Colombo.

ANZAC Day, commemorated annually on 25 April, marks the first major military engagement of Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The Dawn Service, a central feature of the commemoration, symbolizes the time of the original Gallipoli landings and serves as a poignant tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts.

The Dawn Service, observed in the early hours of the morning, marked a solemn moment of remembrance honouring the fallen service personnel of Australia and New Zealand.

The ceremony was attended by H.E. the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Mr. Matthew Duckworth, and H.E. the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka, Mr. David Pine. H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, Mr. Semih Lütfü Turgut, was also present.

Floral tributes were laid in honour of the fallen, reflecting deep respect and remembrance.

Senior representatives of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, and the Director of Training of the Sri Lanka Air Force graced the service. The solemnity and enduring significance of the occasion were further underscored by the presence of religious leaders, the Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council, members of the diplomatic corps, senior Tri Forces officers, and other distinguished guests.