Defence Secretary commends ex-servicemen’s concerns on motherland even if retired
June 11, 2020- Donates Rs. 291,000 to Itukama COVID-19 Fund
Defence Secretary Maj.Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the Tri-Forces had done their responsibility fully to protect the country by containing the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak.
"As ex-servicemen, you have come forward to support the national cause even if you are retired from the service," he said addressing the ex-servicemen of the Anuradhapura branch of Ranaviru Balamuluwa met at the Ministry, today (June 11).
The members have contributed Rs. 291,000 to the ‘ITUKAMA’ COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund’ set up by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Maj.Gen.Gunaratne said the intention of the President to establish the Itukama COVID-19 Fund was to look after the welfare and health requirement of the country not only during Coronavirus outbreak but also face future health related risks.
A special contribution of Rs. 100,000 has been made to the donation by Jeewani Priyangika Fernando, the wife of Corporal A. Bandula, a disabled soldier who died recently.
“As a soldier who wore a uniform like you, I am really impressed and proud of your worthy donation,” said Maj. Gen. Gunaratne, who was the founder president and the incumbent patron of the organization.
Chief organizer of the Ranaviru Balamuluwa Anuradhapura branch Lt. Col. (Retd) Namal Thilakaratne said, the members of the branch volunteered to contribute to the fund in assistance to the Security Forces members’ effort to control the pandemic under the supervision of the Defence Secretary and leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Ranaviru Balamuluwa, started in 2018, comprises membership of Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Security Department (CSD) who obtained legal retirement from respective services.
Many retired Security Forces, Police and CSD has so far contributed to the fund in large sums.
