It was already hot and humid and they marched in full regalia: there were snipers in ghillie suits, bands in pith helmets and feathers, bomb squad in full armour (even the black labrador had a cloak) - behind them, lining the full length of the sea wall all shapes, sizes and models of military vehicles gleamed in their new paint work. Proud soldiers wiped the dust and salt off their vehicles; a never ending and seemingly futile pursuit.
May 18 marks the 4th anniversary of the end of the war; some call it Victory Day or National Day others try to forget the day when hundreds of civilians died in Mullaitivu. But no matter what you call it, the last two groups bringing up the rear of the procession that salutes the President introduce a somber atmosphere to the celebration. A number of flat beds with amputee soldiers precede lines of wheel chair bound soldiers being pushed by comrades - all are dressed in beautiful, formal uniform, some try to hide amputated arms, others try hard to keep their heads high and proud. As they process down the road cameras are lowered and voices are hushed, no one wants to intrude on this moment - we are reminded of the cost.