President confers Veerodhara Vibushana medals on two war heroes

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President Maithripala Sirisena has awarded “Veerodhara Vibushana” medals to two war heroes, according to the President’s Media Division.

It is the highest gallantry medal awarded by the Commander-in-Chief for all the  serving officers in Army, Navy and Air Force in recognition of their unmatched valour, dedication and unfailing commitment.

Corporal Ratnayake of the Sri Lanka Air Force was decorated with this medal for his selfless act to save lives of four people who were faced with the danger of drowning in a lagoon in Batticaloa on December 21, 2016.

President Sirisena awarded the Veerodhara Vibushana medal to wife of Late Warrant Officer Y. M. S. Yaparatne who lost his life while carrying out relief operations conducted by the Air Force during floods in 2017.

Secretary to the President Udaya R. Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Major General. Shantha Kottegoda, Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravi Wijegunaratne, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sumangala Dias were also present on this occasion, the PMD said.