Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today (20) paid tribute to Sri Lanka’s National War Memorial in Battaramulla, joining the annual commemoration ceremony alongside parliamentarians of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

Premadasa laid floral tributes at the memorial and praised the sacrifices made by the armed forces during the 30‑year conflict.

“We must build a social environment where another brutal war will not occur,” he said, adding that the service of war heroes in safeguarding unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity must be honoured every day.

He further stressed the need for permanent solutions for victims of war and terrorism, calling for reforms and reconciliation to prevent future conflict. (Newswire)

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The Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, says a Cabinet paper on the welfare of all retired service personnel, war veterans with disabilities and family members of veterans killed in the war, has been submitted for Cabinet recommendation.

Sampath Thuyacontha said that the Cabinet paper on their welfare, including necessary facilities and securing their future, has been submitted after reviewing the issues and challenges presented by these groups during the recent public day programs. 

He further highlighted the current government’s commitment to fully discharge its responsibilities towards the welfare of all retired service personnel, war veterans with disabilities and the family members of those killed in the war. 

The Secretary of Defence made the remarks while addressing the 81st Anniversary Celebration of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) held in Colombo yesterday (28).

Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) attended the event as the Chief Guest, while other distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by the President of the SLESA, Lieutenant Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya (Retd).

Addressing the gathering, the Defence Secretary stated that the successful eradication of the brutal terrorism that plagued the nation for three decades was due to the correct leadership, timely decisions and systematically implemented plans by the senior officers of the then-Tri-Forces. He also expressed his gratitude for the immeasurable sacrifices and invaluable service rendered by all retired and fallen war heroes for the sake of the motherland’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and peace.

Furthermore, he emphasized that as the country moves towards sustainable development, it is crucial to motivate and guide the current youth population using the experience and knowledge of war veterans. He noted that this would contribute to building a patriotic and disciplined nation.

The celebration included the presentation of Meritorious Service Medals to members who have dedicatedly served the SLESA, and the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ insignia was awarded to current members of the association. Special honorary awards were also presented to recognize the exceptional service rendered to the association by Mr Quintus Andradi, Rear Admiral Anil Bowatte (Retd), Captain D Wijesinghe (Retd) and Captain I A Sirisena (Retd).

The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including retired Commanders of the Tri-Forces, the Commander of the Air Force, senior Tri-Forces officers, officials from the Ministry of Defence and members of the SLESA. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Defence Maj. Gen. Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of war veterans and families of fallen service members, during a high-level briefing on the Ranaviru Matters Committee and related cabinet submissions.

Held at the Deputy Minister’s Office in Colombo, the meeting brought together Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), the commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and senior Ministry of Defence officials.

Addressing the gathering, Jayasekara emphasized the importance of converting policy into tangible outcomes and ensuring the welfare of war heroes remains a core national priority.

He also called for the acceleration of cabinet approvals and more efficient implementation of welfare initiatives.

The agenda included a review of the committee’s progress, discussions on proposed policy frameworks, and an assessment of cabinet documentation related to veteran affairs. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (19 May) visited the Mihindu Seth Medura convalescent home in Attidiya, where he inquired into the health and well-being of the resident war heroes currently receiving long-term care at the facility.

According to the President’s Office, during the visit, the President engaged warmly with the veterans, taking time to speak with them and offer his well wishes. He also observed their artwork and creative projects, appreciating the efforts and talents of those undergoing rehabilitation.

Speaking during the visit, President Dissanayake noted that the thirty-year conflict had left a lasting impact on the nation, with many from both the North and South suffering not only the loss of life but also severe physical injuries, including the loss of limbs and permanent disabilities. He reiterated his firm commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.

The President also emphasised his continued dedication to the welfare and development of disabled war heroes and their families, stating that their well-being remains a top priority for his administration.

In addition to meeting with the residents, the President held discussions with the medical professionals and staff at Mihindu Seth Medura. Particular attention was given to identifying areas where medical and rehabilitative services could be further enhanced to better serve the needs of the veterans.

The visit was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Thuyiyakontha (Retd); Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo; Commandant of Mihindu Seth Medura, Brigadier W.G.S.D.S. Rajakaruna; Director of Army Welfare and Rehabilitation, Brigadier W.A.S. Wijedasa; and several other senior military officials, officers and staff members. (Newswire)

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A progress review meeting of the committee tasked with addressing the welfare and benefits of families of fallen war veterans and disabled veterans was held under the aegis of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) at his office yesterday.

The meeting focused on identifying the persistent challenges faced by the families of fallen veterans and disabled veterans. 

The committee emphasized the importance of adopting a systematic approach to address these long-standing issues and ensuring prompt and effective solutions to unmet needs.  

The committee is tasked with implementing a structured and collaborative process that prioritizes the welfare of war veterans and their families, aiming to deliver impactful and sustainable outcomes.

In a prior meeting, the Additional Secretary of Defence of the Ministry of Defence was appointed as the chairperson of this committee, under the directives of the Deputy Minister. 

The committee also included the Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA), relevant Tri-Forces directors, and other key officials. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health has approved providing priority service to war veterans and dependents of soldiers killed in Sri Lanka’s war when obtaining health services from government hospitals and clinics.

According to the Defence Ministry, the Ministry of Health has agreed to extend priority to ‘Virusara’ Privilege Card holders when they obtain health services from government hospitals.

The priority service is being provided as a result of the efforts of State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and the direct intervention of the Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirana.

Accordingly, this move comes after State Minister Tennakoon, on learning of incidents of difficulties experienced by war veterans in obtaining health services, had fruitful discussions with the Health Minister.  As a result of a request by the State Minister at the discussion, the Ministry of Health had agreed to extend priority to ‘Virusara’ Privilege Card holders when they obtain health services from government hospitals.

Virusara card-holding war veterans and their dependents will be able to receive priority service when receiving treatment from the outpatient departments of government hospitals, as well as in medical, dental, eye, pediatric, prenatal and other clinics. 

Accordingly, the Ministry of Health has taken measures to inform all provincial health services and regional health service directors instructing them to inform all their staff including directors, doctors and nurses of respective hospitals of this facility.  

These welfare initiatives are carried out as a show of gratitude to the war veterans who sacrificed their lives and sustained injuries for the sake of the country. (Newswire)

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The government has reached an agreement to provide a certain part of the number of foreign employment opportunities received from foreign countries to retired military personnel and family members of deceased war military personnel of Sri Lanka. 

According to a Defence Ministry statement, the programme of providing foreign employment to retired armed forces members and war hero family members commenced on State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon’s initiative.

The Defence Ministry states this foreign employment programme was facilitated after successful discussions State Minister Tennakoon had with Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara.   

The Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment has expressed willingness to provide a certain part of the amount of foreign employment opportunities received by the Government from foreign countries to retired military personnel and family members of deceased war military personnel. 

The representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment had said that as the initial phase of this, a certain amount of construction sector job opportunities will be provided in Israel.

Arrangements are being made to provide loan facilities to expatriates at concessional interest rates through state banks and 67 personnel from the Army have been identified to be sent for these jobs. 

Further, instructions have been given to Navy and Air Force authorities to call for nominations from prospective personnel. 

It was also informed that retired tri-forces members under the age of 44 years will be selected and they will have to undergo a brief training through the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment and also face an examination conducted by them.

The measures taken as per the agreement were outlined during a meeting to educate Tri Forces personnel on the foreign employment programme that was held under the patronage of State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon on Tuesday (June 04). (Newswire)

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An individual has been arrested on suspicion of sending 120 Sri Lankans to Russia via tourist visa, it was reported. 

The suspect was arrested from the Dehiwala area by officials from the Human Trafficking and Maritime Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). 

Investigations have revealed that the suspect had assisted people to travel to Russia on tourist visas while staying in front of the Russian Embassy.

The suspect has currently been detained for questioning, while he is scheduled to be produced in court tomorrow (May 21). 

The Human Trafficking and Maritime Crime Investigation Division of the CID is conducting further investigations into the arrest.

Several individuals, including former Army officials, have been arrested so far in connection to the human trafficking racket where several war veterans had been sent to Russia for employment and had instead, been deployed to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The government recently confirmed that 16 Sri Lankans had been killed while fighting in the conflict, and several more are currently fighting for Russian mercenary groups. (Newswire)

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Several more suspects have been arrested in connection with sending Sri Lankan citizens and retired war veterans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

A retired Army Soldier was arrested in Monaragala yesterday for his alleged involvement in the human trafficking scheme to deploy Sri Lankans in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Dambagalla Police had arrested the suspect on Thursday and handed him over to the Monaragala Police. The suspect is to be produced before the Monaragala Magistrate’s Court today.

The suspect was arrested following information from a group of Sri Lankans who had been scammed by the individual. 

The group of Sri Lankan war veterans had returned to the island, after failing to enter Russia and had visited the suspect’s residence, after the latter had taken money in the promise of employment. 

Meanwhile, two persons who had operated a foreign employment agency in Nugegoda and had reportedly sent Sri Lankans to Russia have been arrested.

The owner and the manager of the foreign employment agency were arrested by officials from the Special Investigations Unit of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

The two suspects were remanded until May 30 after being produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

The agency is reported to have received Rs.1.5 million per person and had sent them to Russia via tourist visas to be employed in the Russian Military. 

Furthermore, five suspects, including a retired Major general, who were previously arrested in connection to the human trafficking racket have been further remanded until May 30 by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. 

The Sri Lankan government has also taken necessary measures to address the issue, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe directing the dispatch of a special delegation to Russia to explore the possibility of repatriating Sri Lankans who were trafficked to the country.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya disclosed this week that the government is currently attempting to verify the exact number of Sri Lankans who are in Russia and were reportedly fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The State Minister said that unofficial reports indicate that a number between 600 to 800 Sri Lankans are currently in Russia, while close to 16 Sri Lankans have died fighting in the conflict. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a number of its retired war veterans have died or sustained injuries after being sent to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as members of mercenary groups.

The Ministry of Defence said several retired war veterans had been caught in a scheme by some illegal foreign job agents and had been sent to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as members of mercenary groups.

Issuing a statement, the Defence Ministry said it has also been revealed that a significant number of war veterans, who had immensely contributed to Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil war, have died and sustained injuries on the battlefield. 

“It is regrettable that such war veterans who have served and retired with honour in the armed forces of Sri Lanka are acting as mercenaries in foreign countries,” it said.

These war veterans had left for the Russian-Ukrainian war front as mercenaries after being duped by these human traffickers who had promised them an opportunity to join the foreign army, handsome salaries, citizenship in those countries and other benefits.

However, neither the serving nor the injured had received any salaries or benefits and these traffickers have not even given any sort of compensation to the families of those injured or the dead. Further, they have failed to provide any information on the whereabouts of those war veterans to their families as well, it said. 

The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have taken steps to obtain factual information about the war veterans and casualties at the Russian-Ukrainian war front. 

The Defence Ministry has made a special request to Sri Lankan war veterans not to be caught in such illegal schemes and put their lives at risk by joining foreign mercenary groups. (Newswire)

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