Deputy Minister of Defence Emphasizes Welfare Reforms at
High-Level Briefing on War Veteran Affairs
July 18, 2025
A high-level briefing on the progress of the Ranaviru Matters Committee and associated cabinet submissions was held this morning (July 18) at the Deputy Minister’s Office in Colombo, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), was attended by Secretary of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Tri-Forces Commanders, and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence.
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of translating policy decisions into tangible benefits for the war veteran community. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to streamline welfare initiatives, expedite cabinet approvals, and ensure that the needs of war heroes and their families remain a central focus of national policy. As a veteran himself, the Deputy Minister plays an active role in steering the dialogue toward actionable outcomes.
The agenda of the briefing included a review of the committee’s operational milestones, discussions on proposed policy frameworks, and an evaluation of the current status of cabinet documentation related to war veteran affairs. The meeting aimed to strengthen institutional support structures, enhance inter-agency coordination, and align ongoing welfare programs with broader governance objectives.
The discussions further reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to national security, service personnel welfare, and strategic policy implementation.