Forgotten disabled war veterans go to Temple Trees

Saturday, 06 December 2014 

Over 300 disabled war veterans are outside Temple Trees at the moment demanding their dues that have not been paid for many years.

Speaking to Lanka Herald, spokesperson of the disabled war heroes association, W.M.S.D. Wickremasinghe said they have not received their entitlements under the 1982 circular on disabled soldiers.

“The armed forces drafted regulations according to this circular and all disabled soldiers have to be sent on retirement with the entitlements outlined in the circular,” Wickremasinghe explained.

However, after serving for 20 years in the armed forces, these disabled soldiers have been paid only the pension and not the salary they are due to be paid until the age of 55 years.

Explaining further, Wickremasinghe observed that the association had even filed a case before the Supreme Court demanding their dues.

“The Defence Ministry then issued directives for the payment of salaries of disabled soldiers along with their pension effective from March 1, 2014. This is not fair. The proper procedure is to pay the salaries from the date of retirement. That is what we ask,” the spokesperson said.

However, Wickremasinghe notes that the government has said they do not have funds to pay salaries to the disabled soldiers from the date of retirement.

The soldiers outside Temple Trees have been injured in the battle field and the government that speaks endlessly of the war victory have failed to address the needs of the disabled soldiers compelling them to demand the President for their entitlements.