The government is committed to the welfare of War Heroes, State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene said.
Minister Wijewardene said so at a ceremony to present vouchers to families affected by the explosion at the Salawa Army Camp in Kosgama, Salawa Ranaviru Village.
Gift vouchers worth Rs. two million were distributed among 91 Ranaviru families. Each family received Rs. 25,000. The presentation of the vouchers was an extension to the granting of compensation to the Salawa Ranaviru Village.
“The government and the Army have spent around Rs. 50-60 million to reconstruct the Salawa Ranaviru village. We have done our utmost to provide all facilities to the residents of the Ranaviru village, ,Minister Wijewardene said.
“The Ranaviru Seva Authority has also done much for the welfare of War Heroes.
This government gives priority to the well being of our War Heroes. We shall never forget the War Heroes who dedicated their lives for the betterment of the country.
President Maithripala Sirisena, as the Minister of Defence, has given directions to that pride of place be accorded to our War Heroes.”the minister said. Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said that the report on the Salawa incident has been submitted to the respective authorities.
“The inspection report on the Salawa Army Camp explosion was submitted recently. Steps are being taken to make sure that incidents of this nature do not not happen again. Other armouries established in populated areas are currently being relocated,” Hettiarachchi said.
“Responsibility of providing compensation to the people affected by the Salawa incident is on the Disaster Management Ministry.
There might be certain delays and issues regarding compensation payments.
These issues shall soon be addressed,” the Defence Secretary further said.
Ranaviru Sewa Authority Director Anoma Fonseka, Secretary to the Defence State Ministry A.P.G. Kithsiri and representatives of Salawa Ranawiru Village were present on the occasion.