Defence Secretary meets relatives of fallen war heroes in Kuruvita

A meeting was held recently between Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and close relatives of fallen war heroes and those missing in action in the humanitarian missions since Mavilaru and the office-bearers of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Defence Ministry.

They discussed the problems of the families of war heroes at a discussion held at the Gemunu Regiment Headquarters in Kuruvita on April 17.

A widow who participated in the discussion expressed her ideas to the Defence Secretary.

"She said she lost her husband Major ADMD Udaya Kumara on January 31, 2009 while engaged in the Mullaitivu operation, leaving her and one and half years old son. I am proud to be the wife of such a heroic soldier.

"He made the supreme sacrifice for the sake of the nation and motherland. After I came here to attend this meeting, I felt a great courage and strength because I feel we have not been forgotten. I came here with a sense of grief. But it was heartening to hear that the well-wishers will look after us in the future. I feel we are not isolated and ignored.

"On behalf of the grieving families, I am grateful the Defence Secretary and the office-bearers of Seva Vanitha Unit of the Defence Ministry and the officers of Ranaviru Seva Authority," she said.

Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Defence, Public Security, Law and Order Ministry Ayoma Rajapaksa, Ranaviru Seva Authority Chairman Major General Palitha Fernando, Defence Ministry Additional Secretary Willie Gamage, Additional Secretary B.K.U.A.Wickramasinghe, Ratnapura District Secretary W.Gunadasa and Senior officers of the three Armed Forces participated in this event organised by the Ranaviru Seva Authority.