The Nalanda Junior Old Boys’ Association (NJOBA) commemorated the 25th consecutive Nalanda Ranaviru Upahara on 6 August at the War Heroes’ Memorial of Nalanda College, Colombo, paying tribute to Nalandian war heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
The solemn commemorative ceremony brought together tri-forces and police officers, families of fallen war heroes, past pupils, students, distinguished guests and members of the Nalanda community to honour the memory of those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
The ceremony was attended by Iran Champika Silva, Principal of Nalanda College, while the Special Guest was C S Harsha Vithanarachchi, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. Former Commanders of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala and Air Chief Marshal Sumangala Dias, were also among the distinguished guests present on the occasion.
The ceremony was further graced by several distinguished senior Nalandian officers who have risen to the highest ranks in the country’s Armed Forces and Police, including Major General T T P Siriwardena, Commodore I W M A Wijewardena, Air Vice Marshal R A D T M Weerarathne and Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjeewa Dharmarathna.
Floral tributes were laid at the War Heroes’ Memorial in solemn remembrance of the Nalandian war heroes who laid down their lives in service of the motherland. The ceremony also recognised and honoured the dedication of Nalandians who have served, and continue to serve, in the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force and Police.
Marking the centenary of Nalanda College alongside the 25th consecutive year of the Nalanda Ranaviru Upahara, the NJOBA presented gold coins to the families of fallen Nalandian war heroes as a special gesture of gratitude and remembrance.
The presentation honoured the families who continue to carry the legacy of those who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. It was held in the presence of Iran Champika Silva, Principal of Nalanda College, Dimantha Mathew, President of the NJOBA, and Aruna Perera, General Secretary of the NJOBA, together with distinguished invitees and representatives of the families of fallen Nalandian war heroes.
For a quarter of a century, the Nalanda Ranaviru Upahara has remained one of the flagship commemorative initiatives of the NJOBA. It has become a significant annual occasion through which the Nalanda fraternity preserves the memory of its fallen heroes and expresses its enduring gratitude for their courage, sacrifice and selfless service.
The 25th consecutive observance marked a significant milestone in this longstanding tradition of remembrance. Over the years, the ceremony has continued to bring together generations of Nalandians, members of the Armed Forces and Police, families of fallen heroes and the wider Nalanda community in a spirit of respect, gratitude and national pride.
The sacrifices of the nation’s war heroes remain an enduring part of Sri Lanka’s history. Their dedication and willingness to place the interests of the nation above their own lives serve as a lasting reminder of the values of courage, discipline, duty and selfless service.
The Nalanda Ranaviru Upahara also carries an important message for the younger generation. Through the participation of Nalanda College students, the ceremony seeks to ensure that the memory and legacy of the fallen heroes are passed from one generation to another, inspiring young Nalandians to uphold the values of patriotism, integrity, discipline, courage and service to society.
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