http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/10/19/news02.asp

‘Unwavering commitment to security despite terror defeat’

Dhanushka GODAKUMBURA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that even though terrorism which oppressed the people for three decades has been defeated, he is not prepared to reduce his commitment towards ensuring national security and catering to the welfare of War Heroes.

“Although the funds spent for national defence have caused concern among certain sections, the government stood by the policy that War Heroes who took to the battlefront with great sacrifice should be well looked after throughout their entire lifetime.”

He said no sincere patriot can ever forget the feelings of pride he or she enjoyed on the day our gallant War Heroes achieved the historic victory over terrorism.

President Rajapaksa said this participating in the inaugural national ceremony of the Ranaviru Ma - Piya Rekawarana Programme to show gratitude to parents of War Heroes who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from cruel terrorism.

President Rajapaksa said even though certain forces tried to suppress the patriotic feelings of the people he could not leave them room to achieve their arms. Although terrorism had been defeated its dark shadows were trying to raise their heads once again and people should pay special attention towards it.

The President who observed that the government faced pressure from certain quarters when it implemented programmes for the welfare of ordinary citizens said some of them were getting ready to go to court to contest certain bills and even the budget proposals. He said the Divi Neguma Programme in particular was introduced provide economic strength to poor and underprivileged people in this country.

The Ranaviru Mapiya Rekawarana programme is implemented under a programme proposed by the President in the 2011 Budget. Under this programme a monthly payment of Rs 750 each is being paid to parents of war heroes past and present who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Navy and Police Department from 1-1-1983 to 19-5-2009. President Rajapaksa launched the programme by handing over the pass book with the first payment to the mother of War Hero Gamini Kularatne who sacrificed his life at the Elephant Pass battle front.