Nawalapitiya: A series of Public Day programmes chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), were successfully conducted on 11 and 12 July in Nawalapitiya, Kotmale and Embilipitiya.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, a special Public Day programme organised for the people of Nawalapitiya and Kotmale was held in Nawalapitiya, providing an opportunity for veterans, families of Tri-Forces personnel and members of the public to present their concerns and requests directly to the Deputy Minister. During the programme, matters related to land issues, pensions, compensation, welfare assistance, employment opportunities and administrative were discussed. The event was attended by Member of Parliament for the Kandy District, Mrs. Thushari Jayasinghe, Member of Parliament for the Nuwara Eliya District, Attorney-at-Law Mrs. Anushka Thilakarathne, together with several regional political representatives.
The next Public Day programme was held in Embilipitiya, where vetera
ns, families of Tri-Forces personnel and members of the public were afforded the opportunity to present their grievances to the relevant authorities and seek appropriate relief. The programme was attended by Member of Parliament for the Ratnapura District, Mr. Upul Kithsiri. Particular attention was given to issues relating to agriculture, irrigation, livelihood development, pensions, compensation, welfare assistance and other administrative matters affecting the local community.
During both programmes, the Deputy Minister paid close attention to the issues raised by the participants and instructed the relevant officials to take prompt action, within the existing legal and administrative framework, to provide the maximum possible assistance. He also underscored the importance of ensuring timely responses to public concerns while delivering an efficient, transparent and people-centred public service.
The Public Day programmes were attended by Divisional Secretaries, officials of the Ministry of Defence and o
ther government institutions, as well as a large number of members of the public.