29th February 2016 20:22:21 Hours
Launch of the Phase - II of the ‘Virusara’ Privilege Card for War Heroes and their families in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Security Department at provincial level took place this morning (27) at Saliyapura Gajaba Regiment Regimental Headquarters premises in a ceremony, headed by State Minister of Defence Hon Ruwan Wijewardene (MP).
Phase - II of the project, set to distribute a total of 13,000 ‘Virusara’ Privilege Cards under several stages across the island gave away those benefits to 1135 beneficiaries, including family members of 184 fallen War Heroes and 951 disable War Heroes during the ceremony at Saliyapura, Anuradhapura.
Lighting of the traditional oil lamp, observance of two-minute silence in honour of fallen War Heroes, deliverance of the welcome speech by Colonel of the Regiment, Gajaba Regiment, Major General Sumedha Perera and the reception of the day’s Chief Guest, State Minister of Defence Hon Ruwan Wijewardene on arrival at the premises triggered the onset of the day’s proceedings.
Mrs Anoma Fonseka, Chairperson, Ranaviru Seva Authority in her speech briefly explained how the project has now been set in motion after the inaugural event at Temple Trees in January this year.
Afterwards, Mr A.P.G Kithsiri, Secretary to State Ministry of Defence addressed the gathering and gave a detailed account of the benefits being granted to the recipients.
A brief speech by the Minister and distribution of 1135 ‘Virusara’ privilege cards among all family members of fallen War Heroes and disable ones brought the day’s event to end.
The ‘Virusara’ Privilege Card which offers a wide assortment of benefits in more than 45 state and private sector services, such as tangible discounts on medicine, food varieties, transport, hospital treatment, loans, educational courses, etc also recognizes the invaluable services of War Heroes, including those disable ones.
The ‘Virusara’ card, conceptualized by State Minister of Defence Hon Ruwan Wijewardene with the blessings of the President Maithripala Sirisena was inaugurated as a project of the Ranaviru Seva Authority in January, this year in recognition of the services, rendered by War Heroes in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Security Department during a ceremony at Temple Trees where the first segment of the ‘Virusara’ card was primarily distributed.
A large gathering of invitees, including Chief of Staff, Major General Milinda Peiris, Ministry of Defence officials, tri-service, Police and Civil Security Department officers graced the ceremony.
Over 3 lakhs of family members of fallen War Heroes and disable ones are entitled to receive those benefits when the project completes its mission in six phases by April, this year.
