Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna backs veterans’ demands

It is doubtful whether this is another attempt of the government to intimidate military personnel

The newly formed Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) headed by Professor G. L. Peiris in its first ever public statement said it will stand by disabled war veterans in their battle to gain pensions. Issuing a statement, the party’s media spokesman Sanjeewa Edirimanna said it was sad to witness soldiers, who have made many sacrifices to safeguard the country, left on the road without compensation.

“It is doubtful whether this is another attempt of the government to intimidate military personnel. It is a recognized custom in any country to provide special privileges to people with special needs. The way a country treats its population with special needs reflects how it treats others as well,” he said.

He said the demands of the protesting soldiers were only fair and it was inhumane for the government to turn a blind eye to their demands.

Mr. Edirimanna said these soldiers had lost their pensions because they had failed to complete 12 years in service before retiring.

“They couldn’t complete it only because they were injured during the war and had to retire early on medical grounds. The government should realize that a monthly allowance is not sufficient for them to make ends meet. Therefore, we request the government to do right by these soldiers,’ he said.