Purpose and Dedication
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Commemoration: The book is a tribute to the 28,000 soldiers of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives and the 19,000 soldiers who became permanently disabled during the war.
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Focus on Gallantry: It specifically chronicles the heroic acts of the 32 recipients of the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya (PWV)—the highest and most respected award for bravery in the Sri Lankan military—awarded for exceptional gallantry in the face of the enemy.
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Philanthropy: All royalties from the book are donated to the Ranaviru Seva Authority of Sri Lanka to support welfare work for service members and their families.
Key Content Sections
The book is structured to provide both context and specific accounts of heroism:
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Historical Background: It examines the socio-political environment of Sri Lanka, the root causes of the civil war, and the progression of the conflict through the various “Eelam Wars”.
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Acts of Gallantry: The core of the book provides individual profiles of the 32 PWV medalists, detailing their backgrounds, the specific battles in which they fought, and their final acts of selfless courage.
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Expert Perspectives: The volume includes messages of support and commendation from prominent national leaders, including the former Prime Minister, the Secretary of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff, who praise the author’s research and the book’s role in preserving the history of the conflict.
Author’s Approach
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Research-Based: The contents are based on information gathered from books, newspaper archives, and the internet, combined with the author’s own perceptions of Sri Lankan society.
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Analytical Narrative: Beyond a simple collection of biographies, the work provides an analytical study of the war, intended to educate future generations on the price of peace and the importance of national sovereignty.
