Govt. says it is committed to protecting honour and respect of war heroes

President Maithripala Sirisena said that the Government was fully committed to safeguarding the honour, dignity and respect of war heroes from the top generals to the last private soldier and they would be provided with every privilege. 

He said this while addressing Sri Lankans living in the United States at the Sri Lanka Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on 26 September.

The President was warmly received by Sri Lankans comprising intellectuals, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics and university students.

He said that there were some incidents investigated during the war as well as after the conflict, but they were not related to the war and that could not be described as hunting war heroes under any circumstance. He said it should not be forgotten that one of the expectations during the last presidential election campaign was that there should be investigations on these stray incidents and those guilty should be punished.

He said that if there were more such incidents outside the field of battle, they should also be brought before the law and such actions would also honour the real war heroes. Our soldiers are internationally recognised because such mistakes have been rectified, he said.

The President pointed out that freedom and democracy had been established in the country and not a single journalist was attacked or compelled to leave the country during the last three and a half years. There are also some victories achieved by the Government that are not so visible and winning back international support was one such victory, he said, adding that his visit to address the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly safeguarded the honour and respect of Sri Lanka’s war heroes. Although the cost of living has increased due to uncertainties in the international arena, the Government was taking many steps to enhance the people’s standard of living. The efforts made by President Sirisena to protect the country’s image and establish democracy and freedom were highly appreciated by the Sri Lankan community in the US.

The President held a cordial discussion with them after the meeting.