Kelani Valley War Memorial in Avissawella (අවිස්සාවේල්ලේ කැලණිවැලි පළමුවන ලෝක යුද්ධ ස්මාරකය)

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Unveiling of the Kelani Valley War Memorial of the fallen hero's of World War I — Unveiling of the Kelani Valley War Memorial of the fallen heroes of World War I

As a member of the British Empire, Sri Lanka, known then as Ceylon, played its part in both World Wars. British nationals stationed on the island served in various capacities, including as state servants, in the estate sector, and in companies dedicated to military service. Following the conclusion of the First World War, several monuments were erected in Sri Lanka to honour the returning heroes and commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in service to these regions. The primary war memorial in Sri Lanka was initially located at Galle Face and was known as the Victory Tower. However, it was later relocated to a site adjacent to Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo.

The Kelani Valley War Memorial, erected to commemorate the men from the Kelani Valley who lost their lives in the Great War, was ceremoniously opened by the Government Agent of Western Province, (the Hon. Mr. J.G. Fraser, C.M.G.) on 22nd March 1921.

The grey granite obelisk memorial was originally erected at the junction of Yatiyanthota and Rathnapura Roads in Avissawella. However, in 1965, the monument was relocated from this location and transferred to St. Barnabas’ Church in Avissawella, near the public library, where it remains to this day.

The obelisk is crafted entirely from Ceylon grey granite sourced from Ayr Estate, making it a truly local memorial. Each block of stone was quarried and shaped under the supervision of a personal friend of those whose heroic sacrifice is honoured by the memorial, ensuring a fitting tribute to their memory.

On one side of the obelisk’s base, a plaque bears the inscription “KELANI VALLEY WAR MEMORIAL.” Beneath it, 27 names of fallen soldiers from the region are engraved in two rows. Below the names, the statement “LEST WE FORGET” serves as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice.

KELANI VALLEY
1914-1918
War Memorial

Bell R.W.P. Holland E.H.
Box P.J.M. Hornsby G.W.
Brown N.A.E. Horne T.W.
Brown G.B. Kenyon G.
Buckle C.C. Lewin L.
Carlisle H.A. Lowry W.H.
Craighead J.M. Meire W.H.G.
Cunningham A.C. Morland K.I.T.
Driscoll D.C. Muir F.B.
Footner A.H. Parkinson J.H.
Gilbert C.C. Patridge B.G.N.B.
Hatte E.S. Saffrey L.H.
Holland R.L. Smith C.E.
Underhill H.C

“LEST WE FORGET”

References

Perera, K.N. (2023) ‘ War Memorials In Sri Lanka – Boer War (1899 -1902), First World War (1914 – 1918) And Second World War (1939 – 1945)’. Colombo: Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association.

Also See

Map of Kelani Valley War Memorial

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Travel Directions to the Kelani Valley War Memorial

Directions from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Kelani Valley War Memorial

Via: Kaduwela – Puwakpitiya
Distance: 47 kilometers
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Driving Directions: see on Google map

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References

Also See

Map of Kelani Valley War Memorial

Travel Directions to the Kelani Valley War Memorial

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