Monthly salary for all disabled soldiers to continue after retirement – President

The Government has taken a policy decision to continue paying the monthly salary for all the disabled soldiers, even after their retirement, President Maithripala Sirisena said addressing the Gallantry Awards 2016 held at the BMICH, yesterday.

Despite the decision regarding the matter being taken last year, the Government was only able to include the relevant proposals in the 2017 Budget Proposals, due to delays in the preparation of relevant documents, he said, adding that individuals with vested interests manipulated the situation for political gains. 

President Sirisena emphasised that whatever allegations were leveled against him, he will not change his policy on national security, adding that he is completely committed to provide necessary resources for the Tri Forces and to strengthen the security forces while also protecting their dignity.

“As the President of the country, as well as the Defence Minister, I would never underestimate the importance of national security. Despite certain opportunists who do not have a proper understanding on the way forward for the country, I would continue to safeguard the nation,” he said.

The President also stressed that he is not willing to maneuver national security according to the will of non-governmental organisations.

“The Government will act in accordance with a more friendly and pleasant international policy framework to defeat persons whose ideologies were not defeated even though militarily the separatists were defeated,” he added. During the ceremony, the Parama Weera Vibushanaya, Weerodara Vibushanaya, Weera Wickrema Vibushanaya, Rana Wickrema Padakkama and Rana Sura Padakkama were awarded to the officers and other ranks of the Armed Forces for their exemplary service.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister Sarath Fonseka, State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Tri-Forces Commanders, hierarchy of the Armed Forces and politicians too were present.