‘Sathviru Urumaya’ Credentials Pay Tribute to Disabled War Heroes

The ongoing ‘National War Heroes’ month turned more dignified and was further recognized when HE the President Maithripala Sirisena as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, appreciating unmatched and dedicated services of War Heroes, awarded credentials of national acclaim, ‘Sathviru Urumaya’ to 600 disabled tri-service War Heroes on Wednesday (10) during a colourful ceremony, held at ‘Ape Gama’ premises at Battaramulla.

Those credentials in addition ensure that their housing and land requirements are being attended to by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as a tribute to their bravery and invaluable sacrifices by way of completing 301 partly-built houses of Army personnel, construction of 62 new houses and donation of lands, scholarships to Army personnel and their children respectively. Similarly, Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Security Department (CSD) disabled War Heroes are also to receive those benefits under the MoD-initiated ‘Sathviru Urumaya’ project, launched in honour of achievements of War Heroes.

Wednesday’s ceremony organized on the instructions of Eng Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Secretary Defence, got to a start soon after the arrival of HE the President Maithripala Sirisena. Hon State Minister of Defence Mr Ruwan Wijewardene, together with Eng Hettiarachchi, Mrs Anoma Fonseka, Chairperson, Ranaviru Seva Authority, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri-Forces Commanders, Inspector General of Police and Director General CSD extended a warm welcome to the day’s Chief Guest, HE the President.

Lighting of the traditional oil lamp, recital of the national anthem and the MoD song, a two-minute silence, followed by welcome remarks of the Secretary Defence and a patriotic song.

HE the President Maithripala Sirisena delivering a brief speech to the occasion later on paid a glowing tribute to the dedicated services of all War Heroes including those fallen War Heroes and assured all possible assistance to disabled War Heroes who unified the country and depicted their magnanimity, humanity and gallantry at the expense of their own legs and limbs.

He also noted the significance of ongoing reconciliation process which would foster sound relations between all communities and members of the Security Forces. He also mentioned that no one should believe in rumours and untruth being propagated claiming that the government was denying the foremost place to Buddhism in the country. President also praised the attempts of War Heroes who are working towards reconciliation and national unity.

The ceremony reached its apex when HE the President was then invited to award those ‘Sathviru Urumaya’ credentials to a representative gathering of disabled War Heroes who were present at the location.

Towards the end of the day’s programme, a disabled War Hero of the Army delivered the vote of thanks and spoke high of the welfare projects, being extended by the MoD on behalf of all disabled War Heroes and family members of fallen War Heroes.