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by Ramani Kangaraarachchi

The Defence Minister has directed the Ministry of Public Administration to extend pension facilities to volunteer force personnel reaching the age of 55.

This decision follows representations made by widows of volunteer soldiers killed in action, to the Defence Minister at a recent meeting held in Colombo.

Nearly 50,000 volunteer forces personnel of the three services will benefit once this is implemented, defence sources said.

According to present regulations, a widow of a regular soldier killed in action receives the W & OP and the soldier's pay until he reaches the age of 55 and a pension thereafter. But, the widow of a volunteer soldier killed in action is not eligible for a pension after he reaches the age of 55.

Families of volunteer soldiers killed in action have faced severe financial difficulties as a result and have submitted their grievances to the minister through the Ranaviru Family Counselling Service (RFCS).

Meanwhile, Air Vice Marshal Harry Gunatilake, RFCS President said that he would submit a report to the Defence Minister Tilak Marapana next week with six main points, discussed by the widows at the request of the minister, which he agreed to look into.

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