Trincomalee War Cemetery — Attraction in Eastern Province

There are six Commonwealth war cemeteries in Sri Lanka, four in Colombo, one in the hill capital Kandy and one in Trincomalee. Other Commonwealth war casualties rest in Jawatte Muslim Cemetery, Kuppiyawatte Muslim Cemetery, handy Civil Cemetery, George E. De Silva Park in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Holy Trinity Churchyard.

A total of 1,999 Commonwealth war dead are commemorated in the war cemeteries or plots in Sri Lanka. There are two Commonwealth war memorials in Colombo. Liveramentu Cemetery: the first, the Liveramentu Memorial bears the names of 346 Commonwealth service men and one serviceman from the Netherlands; the other, the Cremation Memorial commemorates 165 servicemen of the Hindu faith.

The Trincomalee cemetery was originally the Combined Services Cemetery, but was taken over by the Admiralty from the military authorities in April 1948 for use as a permanent naval cemetery. On the withdrawal of United Kingdom Forces from Ceylon it became the property of the Ceylon Government is today maintained by the Ministry of Defense on behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The cemetery records 303 world war II causalities. Save for a few post-war and non-war graves it is purely a war cemetery, and service war graves were transferred to it from Trincomalee (St. Mary) Churchyard; Trincomalee (St. Stephen’s) Cemetery, Kottadi Cemetery, Jaffna; and Vavuiyna Combined Cemetery. A special memorial commemorates a naval man buried in Trincomalee (St. Stephen’s) Cemetery whose grave could not be found.

The non-war graves are those of men of the Merchant Navy whose death was not due to war service, and of civilians, of whom some were employees of the Admiralty; while the post-war graves were dependents of servicemen, civilian employees of the Admiralty and dependents of such employees.

This cemetery is located on the Trincomalee – Nilaveli Road ( B424) approx 5 km from Trincomalee ( railway station). The visiting hours are 9...

rincomalee War Cemetery – A Place of Peace and Remembrance 🌿

I recently visited the Trincomalee War Cemetery, and it was truly a peaceful and reflective experience. This cemetery is the final resting place for over 300 servicemen from various Commonwealth countries who lost their lives during World War II, especially during the Japanese air raids on Trincomalee in April 1942.

The grounds are immaculately maintained. Each headstone is marked with the name, rank, and regiment of the fallen soldier, and the surrounding greenery adds to the solemn beauty of the place. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many from across the world.

The atmosphere is serene, with a quiet dignity that invites visitors to pause and reflect. The caretaker was respectful and helpful, ensuring the site remains clean and welcoming.

📍 Location: 300, Nilaveli Road, Trincomalee 🕒 Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily

This is not just a site for history enthusiasts—it’s a place where everyone can pay their respects and reflect on the cost of peace. I highly recommend visiting if you are in...

Trincomalee War Cemetery – A Hidden Gem of History and Reflection

The Trincomalee War Cemetery is one of the most underrated spots in the area. Tucked away quietly, it doesn’t get much attention due to the lack of advertising. It truly deserves a visit. Entrance is free, and the place is beautifully maintained, offering a peaceful atmosphere to reflect and pay respects to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I & II.

The neatly arranged gravestones, lush greenery, and quiet surroundings create a space of dignity and remembrance. It’s a powerful yet serene experience, especially for those who appreciate history.

If you're in Trincomalee, take a few moments to visit this hidden gem. You...