COLOMBO, July 30 – General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd), Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, has affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring justice for soldiers who were disabled during the war. At a news conference titled ‘Two Years of Progress and Way Forward,’ Gunaratne outlined the steps taken to provide support for these war heroes, including allowances, medical rehabilitation, and lifelong care.
Gunaratne highlighted the Ministry’s efforts over the past two years to stabilize the country both economically and politically, contributing to a safe and secure environment for the populace. He emphasized the Ministry’s role in preventing human trafficking and combating illegal drug trafficking, noting the significant successes of the tri-forces in these areas.
In 2023, the armed forces seized nearly 560 kg of heroin, 3350 kg of cannabis, and other narcotics. By mid-2024, additional seizures included approximately 270 kg of heroin and 12,720 kg of Kerala cannabis. These efforts have been crucial in addressing the drug menace in Sri Lanka.
The General also spoke about the enduring contributions of the armed forces in ending the Thirty Year War. He stressed the importance of honoring and protecting the 60,000 war heroes who were wounded, with around 10,000 of them being bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound. Rehabilitation centers in Attidiya, Anuradhapura, Kamburupitiya, and Kurunegala have been established to offer medical care and lifelong support.
In addition to financial support for the dependents of deceased military personnel, the Ministry has facilitated re-employment opportunities for over 3,000 retiring soldiers through Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd. The current geopolitical situation has also opened opportunities for deploying 550 Sea Marshals, with recruitment underway.
Gunaratne praised the enhancements made at Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, including the recruitment of civilian medical students and the establishment of free treatment facilities for over 1,000 out-patients daily. The University has also attracted 286 foreign students since 2012 due to its high educational standards.
On the international front, Sri Lanka has resumed peacekeeping missions with 301 troops deployed to Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. The National Task Force Against Human Trafficking, chaired by Gunaratne, has successfully maintained the US State Department’s Tier 2 status for three consecutive years. Efforts are ongoing to rescue Sri Lankans exploited in Myanmar and address concerns about former military personnel involved in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The Ministry of Defence also oversees disaster management through the National Building Research Organization (NBRO), which is working on landslide risk reduction projects with support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The armed forces are actively involved in disaster response and providing labor for various construction projects, including new hospital buildings.
The event was attended by Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Major General C.A. Wickramasinghe, Defence Ministry Senior Assistant Secretary A.M.C.W.P. Abeykoon, and other officials.
–PMD–
