‘Unwavering commitment to security despite terror defeat’
Dhanushka GODAKUMBURA
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that even though terrorism
which oppressed the people for three decades has been defeated, he is
not prepared to reduce his commitment towards ensuring national security
and catering to the welfare of War Heroes.
“Although the funds spent for national defence have caused concern
among certain sections, the government stood by the policy that War
Heroes who took to the battlefront with great sacrifice should be well
looked after throughout their entire lifetime.”
He said no sincere patriot can ever forget the feelings of pride he
or she enjoyed on the day our gallant War Heroes achieved the historic
victory over terrorism.
President Rajapaksa said this participating in the inaugural national
ceremony of the Ranaviru Ma - Piya Rekawarana Programme to show
gratitude to parents of War Heroes who sacrificed their lives to
liberate the country from cruel terrorism.
President Rajapaksa said even though certain forces tried to suppress
the patriotic feelings of the people he could not leave them room to
achieve their arms. Although terrorism had been defeated its dark
shadows were trying to raise their heads once again and people should
pay special attention towards it.
The President who observed that the government faced pressure from
certain quarters when it implemented programmes for the welfare of
ordinary citizens said some of them were getting ready to go to court to
contest certain bills and even the budget proposals. He said the Divi
Neguma Programme in particular was introduced provide economic strength
to poor and underprivileged people in this country.
The Ranaviru Mapiya Rekawarana programme is implemented under a
programme proposed by the President in the 2011 Budget. Under this
programme a monthly payment of Rs 750 each is being paid to parents of
war heroes past and present who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force,
Navy and Police Department from 1-1-1983 to 19-5-2009. President
Rajapaksa launched the programme by handing over the pass book with the
first payment to the mother of War Hero Gamini Kularatne who sacrificed
his life at the Elephant Pass battle front.
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