HONOURING OUR HEROES: THE PRESIDENT DISTRIBUTES ELECTRIC TRICYCLES FOR DIFFERENTLY-ABLED SOLDIERS

His Excellency President Ranil Wickremesinghe graced a poignant ceremony this morning (9th April) at the Ministry of Defence, where electric tricycles were distributed to the valiant war heroes who bore the scars of sacrifices they made in the humanitarian operations in the name of safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil also graced the ceremony with his presence, standing in solidarity with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil and the war heroes. Together, they symbolized the nation's unwavering commitment to honouring those who sacrificed for the country.

The President was warmly welcomed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence on his arrival at the Ministry. Then the President personally distributed the electric tricycles among the war heroes, extending not just a gesture of appreciation, but also a tangible means to enhance their mobility and independence. With each tricycle handed over, a silent acknowledgement echoed through the ceremony, recognizing the sacrifices these heroes made for the nation.

After the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe proceeded to visit the differently-abled war heroes, cordially conversing with them and demonstrating a genuine concern for their welfare. Engaging in friendly exchanges, he conveyed a sense of personal connection and solidarity with those who have bravely served their country.

The initiative, implemented by the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA), strives to uplift the living standards of differently-abled war heroes and their families. In its initial phase, the project saw the distribution of 50 electric tricycles, amounting to an expenditure of Rs. 17 million. This endeavour highlights the government's firm obligation to safeguard the welfare and foster the empowerment of its courageous servicemen.

In attendance at the occasion was Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Commanders of the Tri Forces, the Inspector General of Police, the Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority, and several senior officials from the Defence Ministry.