Disabled soldiers to get pension from February

By Chamodi Gunawardana

The week long demonstration carried out by disabled soldiers demanding a full pension came to a dramatic halt yesterday when riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd marching towards the President’s office, with two people admitted to the General Hospital.

Monks of Ravana Balaya were also present at the protest in solidarity with protesters.

Following several rounds of discussions, the Defence Ministry agreed to the demand by disabled Tri-forces and Police members to provide pension for all disabled military officers regardless of completion of compulsory 12 years of service.

However, despite assurances given by the Defence Ministry to give a full pension and benefits for disabled soldiers upon reaching retirement age last week, a group of disabled soldiers continued their protest in front of the Fort Railway station, demanding a the decision to be conveyed in writing. 

The National Organiser of the organisation Jayalal Nissanka told DailyFT that no such decision was conveyed to them directly.

“We wanted a letter addressing the National War Heroes Solidarity Collective informing of the decision,” he said.

However, discussions held yesterday with Defence Ministry Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi concluded amicably he said.

“He had agreed to pay a pension for all retired members and those who will reach the retirement age in future,” Nissanka said.

Five members from the protesters attended the meeting with Hettiarachchi and the Ministry has issued a letter addressing the protesters outlining their decision to pay a full pension, he said. 

Reply to allegations levelled by different politicians that the action taken by the former soldiers were influenced by some opposition political forces, Nissanka rejected any hidden political agenda.

He claimed that the group was only staging the protest to win their demands as soldiers.

Meanwhile, Colombo Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne refused to issue a stay order request by the Police prohibiting the protest march. However Police took steps to close the Lotus Roundabout for traffic.          Pic by Ruwan Walpola