Colombo: A high level meeting on the Ranaviru Welfare Cabinet Paper, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), was held yesterday at the Parliament Complex. The meeting was attended by key figures, including the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), and the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the discussions primarily focused on several critical issues, such as salary entitlement for those who have sustained injuries due to terrorist activities, in recognition of their service and sacrifice to the nation. The participants also deliberated on pay and pension schemes for service personnel who have retired due to medical reasons related to terrorist acts after the age of 55. Additionally, there was a discussion on providing opportunities for retired military personnel to re-appear before a medical board, allowing them to re-assess their eligibility for related welfare bene
fits.

Importantly, the meeting also discussed the functioning of a Cabinet-appointed committee tasked with taking necessary decisions and actions to implement these welfare measures. The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance highlighted the urgency of completing the process promptly to ensure timely relief for the affected personnel. Department heads and senior officials of line state agencies were also present at this meeting.