GW War Heroes Recognized Awarding Gallantry Medals
Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), gallantry medal awarding ceremony for the remainder of Gemunu Watch (GW) War Heroes took place Saturday (19) during a dignified ceremony at Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council auditorium.
Major General P.U.S Vithanage, Colonel of the Regiment, GW as the Chief Guest presided the occasion.
A total of 524 War Heroes out of 1363 received those medals during the ceremony at Rathnapura.
Recital of the GW Regimental Song and observance of a two-minute silence in memory of all fallen War Heroes kicked off the day’s programme.
Afterwards, Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) was awarded to military officers and other ranks in recognition of their allied or individual acts of heroism and bravery in the face of the enemy. It is also known as the combat gallantry medal.
Then, award of the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) which is also regarded as the combat excellence medal began. It recognizes individual and associated acts of heroism in facing the enemy.
The Chief Guest addressed the gathering of the ceremony and extended his appreciation and best wishes before the patriotic song ‘Ratnadeepa Janma Bhoomi’ was played.
Then the recital of the national anthem drew the ceremony to a close.
Several senior officers, recipients of laurels, next-of-kin of fallen War Heroes, officers and other ranks witnessed the medal ceremony.
