It has been 16 years since Sri Lanka was liberated from LTTE terrorism.

Nova May 18, 2025

Today (18) marks 16 years since the defeat of the LTTE terror group that had been in the country for over three decades.

The brutal war that had lasted until then came to an end with the killing of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran by war heroes at the Nandikadal Lagoon on 18 May 2009.

The country's security forces also have the honor of rescuing thousands of civilians who were being held hostage by the LTTE in the world's largest humanitarian operation.

The "National Victory Celebration" is scheduled to be held tomorrow (19) to mark the 16th anniversary of the war victory.

The celebration will be held from 4 to 6 pm at the War Heroes' Memorial in Kotte, Sri Jayewardenepura.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, who led the tri-services to end terrorism, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda and Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilaka are also scheduled to participate in this national war hero commemoration ceremony, which will be held under the patronage of Deputy Defense Minister Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara.

Meanwhile, the Patriotic National Front held a media conference yesterday and requested that steps be taken to hoist a national flag in every house today in conjunction with the National War Hero Day celebration.