[2][3] The entrance to the cemetery incorporates a memorial wall, commemorating 346 Commonwealth servicemen and one Dutch serviceman who died while serving in Ceylon during the Second World War (1939–1945), whose graves/bodies could not be found.

[4] In addition the cemetery contains the Liveramentu Cremation Memorial which commemorates 165 servicemen of the Hindu faith who died while serving in Ceylon, and who were accorded the last rite required by their religion – committal to fire.

[5] The cemetery also has a memorial commemorating 28 Italian prisoners of war who died and were buried in the country between 1939 and 1945.

The cemetery is situated on the site of a Portuguese church, Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Livramento, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Virgin of Good Deliverance, from which it derives its name.

[6] The church was a well known Marian shrine, with a well whose waters were alleged to perform miracles.