President committed to War Heroes’ welfare - Defence Secy
Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa unveiled
a Ranaviru Monument (Cenotaph) built in memory of War Heroes of the
Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) of the Sri Lanka Army on Saturday.
The ceremony was held at the VIR Headquarters in Boyagane, Kurunegala.
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Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa
unveils a Ranaviru Monument (Cenotaph) built in memory of War
Heroes of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army
on Saturday |
The cenotaph is built in memory of 3,050 officers and other ranks who
laid down their lives to safeguard the nation against the LTTE.
Regimental Commander Major General R V Samaratunga paid tribute to the
135 officers and 2,915 other ranks of the VIR heroes during his welcome
address.
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Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment
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* Named after
King Vijayabahu I
* VIR formed to enhance service, strength of Army
* Setup at Sinhawilluwatta Puttalam in March 22, 1990
* Later moved to Boyagane, Kurunegala on April 23, 1993.
* 27 Battalions under command to the Regiment
* First battalion of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment established in
1988
* Operating under motto ‘What - cannot they bear, those who are
adept and well versed in their arts and crafts and professions’
* Has sent a number contingents on foreign peace keeping
missions |
The Defence Secretary invited Army Commander Lieutenant General
Jagath Jayasuriya, architect Ranga Dayaratne and Lion G R K C
Balasooriya to join him to unveil the commemorative plaque.
Secretary Rajapaksa also placed a wreath at the cenotaph.
The Defence Secretary said President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces is grateful for the services and
sacrifices of fallen War Heroes, military personnel and their families
and is always committed in ensuring their welfare.
Secretary Rajapaksa mentioned the various welfare measures taken
including the housing projects, educational projects for the children of
service personnel, vocational training programmes, granting of loans and
three wheelers and also about healing homes for permanently disabled
service personnel, Abimansala and Mihindu Seth Medura.
He also spoke about the monthly allowance scheme for service
personnel’s parents. The Secretary also said the President has always
acted to maintain the prestige of service personnel and their families
and has a high regard for them which is evident by his preference to
post retired military personnel to diplomatic missions.
A large number of guests including senior military officers, military
personnel and family members of War Heroes were present.
Courtesy: defence.lk |
