Disabled war heroes get three-wheelers

Chaminda PERERA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday distributed over 200 three-wheelers among disabled soldiers in recognition of their contribution towards the country's peace and stability, under an interest free loan scheme.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Secretary to the President Lalitha Weeratunga handed over the keys of the three-wheelers to the beneficiaries at a ceremony at the Defence Ministry grounds.

According to Ranaviru Seva Authority Chairman, Major General Palitha Fernando, the authority has launched several projects under 10 categories for the welfare of families of missing soldiers and soldiers killed in action during the past three decades.

"A number of projects are in place for the welfare of disabled soldiers and their families. We have been distributing three-wheelers among disabled soldiers every year. This is the first time over 200 three-wheelers were distributed among them," he said.

He said the three-wheelers were modified to ensure that disabled soldiers will not find any difficulty when driving them. According to Major General Fernando, the disabled soldiers had sought the assistance of the authority to purchase three- wheelers through the regional Ranaviru Seva Authority. Defence Ministry Additional Secretary Willie Gamage and Labour Minister Mervyn Silva were also present.