MP Namal Rajapaksa has criticised recent remarks describing military medals as “a piece of metal”, saying such comments undermine the sacrifices and achievements of Sri Lanka’s war veterans.
Speaking at a public meeting in Kotapola, Matara, Rajapaksa said medals earned by members of the armed forces represent their courage, sacrifice and service, and should be treated with respect.
“It is shameful to refer to a medal that veterans proudly show their children and grandchildren as merely ‘a piece of metal’,” he said, adding that such statements disregard the sacrifices made by military personnel.
Rajapaksa also alleged that the government was disrespecting war veterans while pursuing legal action against former security officials. He questioned whether there was an effort to diminish the dignity and recognition accorded to members of the armed forces.
During his speech, the SLPP National Organiser also criticised the government’s economic policies, claiming it lacked solutions for issues affecting farmers, graduates and the cost of living.
He further accused the government of failing to maximise the benefits of major infrastructure projects initiated by previous governments and called on the public to unite in support of the opposition. (Newswire)