February 19, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defence has reiterated its firm resolve to safeguard the welfare of former service personnel during a specially convened Public Day programme at its headquarters this week.
The session was presided over by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), who met directly with retired members of the armed forces and relatives of those who lost their lives in service to the nation.
According to an official statement, the forum was designed to offer veterans and bereaved families a direct channel of communication with senior officials, enabling them to raise longstanding concerns and administrative grievances without delay. Participants highlighted issues ranging from pension anomalies and housing assistance to access to medical care and educational support for children of fallen personnel.
During the discussions, the Defence Secretary engaged personally with attendees and instructed relevant departments to accelerate pending documentation, streamline compensation procedures and strengthen welfare schemes. He also called for closer monitoring of cases that have remained unresolved for extended periods.
Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha stressed that supporting veterans and the families of the fallen goes beyond routine administration, describing it as a solemn duty owed to those who safeguarded the country’s sovereignty. He added that meaningful assistance must translate into tangible improvements in living standards and long-term security for affected families.
The Ministry noted that such Public Day initiatives form part of a broader effort to foster transparency, accountability and responsiveness within the defence establishment, while ensuring that the contributions and sacrifices of the veteran community continue to be recognised through practical and sustained action.