Ranaviru Divi Neguma launched

The Government reiterated that it is committed to uplift the lives of war heroes and their families whose dedication helped achieve peace in the country.

According to Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, the Government is dedicated to uplift their lives despite accusations by certain quarters.The Minister was speaking at the launch of Ranaviru Divi Neguma with the objective of integrating the family members of war heroes and disabled war heroes into the country's development process and improve their living standards. The ceremony was held in Battaramulla.

The Government has allocated Rs. 400 million for this scheme through the Budget. The families of war heroes and disabled soldiers who like to initiate their own projects are given loans not exceeding to Rs. 500,000 under this program through the Regional Development Bank.

The Minister said the Opposition levels allegations against the Government on allocating massive amounts of money for the Defence Ministry. He said certain segments of the Opposition demand that compensation be paid to those who joined the terrorist outfit which is responsible for killing thousands of people irrespective of racial, ethnic or other differences and destroying State and private properties.

He said Ranaviru Divi Neguma will help the families of war heroes to stand on their own feet and contribute towards the country's economy.

Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya, Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayantha Colombage, Ranaviru Seva Authority Chairperson Padma Weththewa and Rural Development Bank Chairperson Keshala Jayawardena were also present.