The `Anada Viru Harasara` organized by the Ananda College, Colombo, to pay tribute to the Old Anandians in the armed forces and police was held at the Kularathna Hall this morning (Jul 3). His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President and, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces was the chief guest to the colourful occasion organized by the college and the Old Boys Association.

The ceremony commenced with the religious observation at the Ananda Viharaya after the arrival of the President. A combined guard of honour was awarded to the President by Army, Navy and Air Force cadets of the college , following the religious activities.

Distinguished Old Anandians who had performed a pivotal role in the humanitarian mission Prime Minister and the Deputy Minister of Defence, Hon Rathnasiri Wickramanayake, Parliamentarian and senior advisor to President, Basil Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Army Commander, General Sarath Fonseka, Navy Commander, Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda and Director General of Civil Defence Force, Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara received the `Anada Viru Harasara` plaques from the President.

Senior Old Anandian officers of Sri Lanka Army Maj General Jagath Rambukpotha, Maj General Jagath Dias, Maj General Kamal Goonarathna, Brig Jagath Wijethilake, Brig Mahesh Senanayake, Brig Prasanna Silva and Brig Chagi Gallage received the `Anada Viru Harasara` plaques from the acting principle of the Ananda College Mr D.M.L.P Dissanayake.

Rear Admiral Ananda Peries, Captain Noel Kalubowila and Lieutenant Commander Nalindra Jayasingha of Sri Lanka Navy received the honours from the president of the Old Boys Association, Mr Manju Frenando.

Representing the Old Anandians of Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Commodore K. Yahampath, Group Captain Ravi Jayasingha and Wing Commander Dhammika Walikadapola received the `Anada Viru Harasara` from the deputy principle of the Ananda College.

Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mahinda Balasooriya and DIG Sarathchandra Liyanage, the most senior Old Anandians of the Police received the `Anada Viru Harasara` from the vice president of the OBA Mr Thilak Karunarathna.

Education Minister Hon Susil Premajayantha, and Old Anandians of the House, Minister Tissa Vitharana, Rajitha Senarathna, Dalus Alahapperuma, P. Dayarathna, Geethanjana Gunawardena, and Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge and serving Old Anandians of the armed forces and Police, members of the college OBA and students were also present at the occasion.