Hands over 'Virusara' Privilege Cards to War Hero beneficiaries at the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) Regimental Headquarters in Kurunagala (Under Phase – II)

State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardane graced a 'Virusara' Privilege Card under Phase - II presenting ceremony held at the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) Regimental Headquarters in Boyagane, Kurunagala on 01st March 2016.

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi and State Secretary to Ministry of Defence Mr. APG Kithsiri were also present at the occasion.

Under the second phase of the project a total of 13,000 'Virusara' Privilege Cards are to be distributed under several stages across the island. During today's ceremony a total of 893 beneficiaries including 687 beneficiaries from Army, 126 from Navy, 39 from Air Force, 39 Police and 2 from Civil Security Department received the Virusara cards.

Speaking at the occasion State Minister Wijewardene said that the Virusara privilege card project was initiated to provide benefits and privileges to the War Heroes who made the supreme sacrifice, went missing or got disable and War Hero families. He also said that approximately 500 million rupees have been allocated for year 2016 for the Ranaviru Seva Authority to provide such benefits for war heroes.

He also highlighted that it is the responsible of the government to support War Heroes and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice to usher in peace to the country. The State Minister also stated that, as the Minister of Defence the President has always instructed to give priority for national security and also for the welfare and security of the service personnel.

During the occasion, Secretary Hettiarachchi also made a brief speech and highlighted the importance of the sacrifices made by the War Heroes towards the nation.

Chairperson of the Ranaviru Seva Authority, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Air Force, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, tri forces officers and War Hero families were also present at the occasion.