NAR soldiers appeal to President for better ex-gratia payment

COLOMBO: The demobilised National Auxiliary Reserve Soldiers' Association, in a lengthy written submission to President Mahinda Rajapakse on March 12 appealed for enhancement of the ex-gratia payment of Rs. 100,000 or Rs. 125,000 made to their members when their services were terminated five years ago, after a service period of 13 to 16 years.

The petition addressed to the President had 50 names of ex-soldiers as contributors to the appeal and drew the President's attention to previous appeals made to him in this regard when he was the Leader of the Opposition, when he was the Prime Minister and ultimately on this occasion which is the best time to grant relief prayed for as the Executive President of the country.

They urged the President to consider their plight as a father who listens to the cry of his offspring and mete out justice failing which event, they will even reluctantly raise this cry to be heard by international fora.