A single woman’s name Miss L Midwood etched in stone. This is the Cenotaph War Memorial in Colombo. It stands as a silent testament to the sacrifices made during the Great War and the Second World War.
This imposing structure in Viharamahadevi Park is more than just a monument. It’s a poignant reminder of the Ceylonese soldiers who gave their lives. Sir Edwin Lutyens a renowned architect designed it. The Cenotaph’s towering presence and the Memorial Walls behind it evoke a profound sense of respect.
Imagine the scene on December 7 1921. Brigadier General Sir William Henry Manning the Governor of Ceylon laid the foundation stone. He later unveiled it on October 27 1923 at Galle Face Green. It was then known as the Victory Tower. Its location proved problematic during World War II. Fears of the Japanese using it as an artillery marker led to its dismantling. It was later re-erected in Victoria Park now known as Viharamahadevi Park.
The Cenotaph itself bears the names of those who perished in the Great War. The Memorial Wall behind it holds the names of those lost in the Second World War. The meticulous inscription work was done by Sinhalese masons from Galle. Note the unique detail a single woman Miss L Midwood is listed among the fallen of the Great War. It highlights the shared sacrifice transcending gender roles. The Royal Crown and the letters RGI for Rex George Imperator King George Emperor are engraved on the Cenotaph. This commemorates King George V the reigning monarch during World War I.
Every year on Remembrance Sunday the closest Sunday to November 11 the Cenotaph War Memorial in Colombo is the site of a National Service of Remembrance. The ceremony pays tribute to those brave individuals who served and those who gave their lives for their country. Take a moment reflect on their stories.
The Cenotaph War Memorial in Colombo is more than just a structure of stone. It’s a living legacy. It’s a symbol of remembrance. It’s a testament to enduring courage and sacrifice. It’s a place of quiet contemplation where we honor the brave men and women who served and never returned. It’s a story etched in stone. A story of loss and of remembrance. A story that continues to resonate through time.