Govt condemns attempts to undermine military gains

COLOMBO: The Government yesterday condemned attempts by anti-Government groups to undermine the recent military victories against the LTTE in the Eastern province.

"At a moment when the Security Forces are valiantly engaged in combating the LTTE, the Government has received information that certain anti-Government groups have planned disruptive acts employing disabled service personnel in a bid to undermine recent military gains," a Government news release said.

It said that during a short period of one year, the Government has launched several welfare programmes for the benefit of differently abled Security Forces' personnel under President Mahinda Rajapaksa's 'Mahinda Chintana' policy statement.

The release added: "Service personnel who have competed 22 years in service have been granted the full retirement fund (pension).

The Widows and Orphans Pensions Act was amended to grant the Volunteer Forces Service personnel the same benefits.

Disabled service personnel are also granted funds under the Widows and Orphans Pension Scheme. Moreover, the Government has also approved promotions to disabled service personnel. Volunteer Force female soldiers who complete 15 years of service have been given the opportunity of retirement.

The Government is also supporting the 'Ranaviru Sevana' established for disabled soldiers who are unable to live in their homes due to extreme disability. Disabled service personnel, except for those who have left or retired from their respective Force are bound by the laws stipulated in the Army, Navy and Air Force Acts.

Disabled service personnel who are currently serving under their respective Force are commanded under strict military laws.

Disabled service personnel who are currently serving in their respective Force should not be enticed to engage in anti-Government/ Security Forces protests or campaigns launched by extremist elements to undermine recent military gains of the Security Forces.

These disruptive acts will only demoralise troops and give the LTTE a psychological advantage."