Cenotaph War Memorial, Colombo

The Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park is a monumental structure featuring walls that display the names of military personnel who lost their lives during both World Wars. The layout allows visitors to walk through and locate specific individuals among those commemorated.

The memorial's foundation stone was laid by Governor Sir William Henry Manning in 1921, originally positioned at Galle Face Green. It was relocated to its present location during World War II.

The memorial serves as the focal point for an annual National Service of Remembrance held on the Sunday closest to November 11, when people gather to honor fallen soldiers. This gathering has become an important ritual that brings together the community to reflect on sacrifice and loss.

The memorial is easily accessible through multiple park entrances, and visitors should allow time to read and study the names inscribed on the walls. Guided tours are available to provide context and explain the significance of the commemorations.

Among the names on the memorial walls is Miss L. Midwood, the only female service member listed as having died in the Great War. Her inscription stands out as a rare record of female participation in a conflict dominated by men.