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Army infusing honour, respect to disabled soldiers: GL

Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy, Investment Promotion and Constitutional Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris lauded the efforts made by Army officers to provide honour and respect to the lives of disabled soldiers by diverting them towards a gainful industry or vocation with meagre resources.

Prof. Peiris paid this accolade when he visited the Senapura Army camp to inaugurate the second stage of an industrial and vocational programme designed for disabled personnel of the Gajaba Regiment on Tuesday. The Minister said these soldiers had become disabled by trying to protect the motherland during nearly two decades of war. Efforts of this nature which to offer value and dignity to disabled soldiers was a great national service which should be acclaimed and supported by all.

Prof. Peiris who also inspected the products made by disabled soldiers under this programme during his visit, said the creative skills shown by them were marvellous.

"These products turned out by them are of a very high standard. This shows that the hands and hearts of the war heroes are not meant to the trigger only. They have creative skills and to develop them what they need is a small backing to go forward," he said.

The Minister said the availability of equipment alone is insufficient to ensure progress of such industries. What was essential is modern technology as well as developing a marketing system. He advised them to introduce a programme to improve technology and marketing for the future success of this programme. Minister Assisting Foreign Affairs Lal Gamage said the Gajaba Regiment is a most strong and powerful regiment born during the height of the war.

Men of this regiment were prepared to face up to any challenge and emerge victorious. They have shown this quality even during physical disabilities attained during the conflict, he said.

Commander 56th Brigade Brig. U. B. Lawrence said 3,000 soldiers attached to their regiment had paid the supreme sacrifice to defend the nation.

Another 2,500 had been disabled. There were 400 disabled soldiers living in their camp at present. Of them 200 were involved in the first stage of the industrial programme. The balance 200 will be included in the programme during the second stage, he said.

Major J. M. M. S. Jayasundera said products made by disabled soldiers under this programme included leather products, fruit drinks, soap, candles, exercise books, yoghurt and cement based products. Prof. Peiris accompanied by Gamage and Army officials also inspected the camp premises during the visit.

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