More facilities for disabled soldiers

Land earmarked in Athtidya:

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

Initiatives have been made by the Government to take full responsibility over Security Forces’ personnel who are mentally or physically disabled during operations launched against LTTE terrorism. Under this initiative, a rehabilitation and welfare centre will be established with immediate effect aiming to rehabilitate soldiers mentally and physically, Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director General Lakshman Hulugalle said.

”The Defence Ministry on the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa will take the total responsibility for these soldiers since they are disabled, either mentally or physically. The Government will look after the soldiers while providing them welfare facilities,” he said.

A three acre land has been acquired in Athtidiya where the welfare centre is scheduled to be established.

”Though the humanitarian mission of eliminating the LTTE is completed, the Government has decided to open a rehabilitation and welfare centre to boost the moral of the disabled soldiers while enhancing their confidence. Therefore, a permanent rehabilitation centre will be established in Athtidiya.

The disabled soldiers can get assistance and shelter at this centre. Since this is an urgent need, the Government has taken step to commence operations within a short time,” Hulugalle said.

”The institute is totally owned and controlled by the Government under which, the soldiers will be assisted to build a strong mentality to revive to their normal lifestyle. Apart from that, a background for a better living standard will also be ensured,” Hulugalle added.