A program organised by the Army to look into the welfare and administrative affairs of retired / medically retired servicemen and family members of war heroes was held at the 53 Infantry Division Headquarters in Inamaluwa, Dambulla yesterday, May 11.
State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon graced the event as the chief guest.
He was received by Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage on his arrival.
Army authorities had set up help desks under its various Directorates to facilitate service personnel and war hero families to forward their grievances and seek necessary advice and assistance.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Tennakoon greatly appreciated the supreme sacrifices made by the war heroes to uphold the territorial integrity of the motherland and the dedication of their parents and families during the war. He thanked the members of the Security Forces for their assiduous service to the nation on and off duty.
Minister Tennakoon said that the Defence Ministry and the Tri Forces, Ranaviru Seva Authority and other state agencies will jointly implement a program to give priority to war hero and servicemen families when obtaining health, public administration, banking and other services.
He said that priority will be given to war hero families in the ‘Urumaya’ freehold land deed presenting program presently being implemented.
Those who arrived to obtain services presented their grievances to authorities. As another welfare initiative, the Army Seva Vanitha Unit had made arrangements to distribute dry ration packs to service personnel and members of war hero families during the event.
Security Force Commander – Central Maj Gen. Rohitha Aluvihare, Adjutant General of Army, Maj Gen. Nalinda Niyangoda, Commander 53 Division Maj. Gen. Shanaka Ratnayake, Chairperson of Army Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Janaki Liyanage and a large number of senior military officers, Government officials, war heroes and their families were present.
