Resolving Challenges at the Ranajayapura War Heroes’ Housing Complex
July 23, 2025Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), chaired a meeting last week to address long-standing issues affecting the Ranajayapura Ranaviru Housing Complex in Ipalogama. The session aimed to chart a sustainable path forward by appointing a dedicated committee to investigate and resolve the pressing challenges confronting the residents, comprising retired, disabled and serving members of the Tri-Forces.
During the meeting, Additional Secretary – Defence Services, Mr. Saman Dissanayake, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the range of issues that have emerged since the housing complex's establishment.
Inaugurated in 2009, the Ranajayapura Tri-Forces Housing Complex was built on a 180-acre expanse under the Ipalogama Divisional Secretariat. It comprises 1,509 housing units and is currently home to nearly 7,000 residents. Designed to honour and support the nation’s war heroes, the complex includes essential infrastructure such as paved roads, a concrete drainage system and amenities like schools, preschools, daycare centres, health centres, shops, banks and piped water.
However, over time, several critical concerns have emerged. The Deputy Minister was briefed on the deteriorating state of many unoccupied houses, a failing elephant fence, inadequate facilities at the local police station, irregular utility meter readings at the preschool managed by the Army Seva Vanitha Branch and a lack of an effective waste management system. Additional issues include substandard drainage and road conditions, unresolved matters related to land and house ownership transfers and lingering grievances about pension schemes, disability allowances and official promotions of resident war heroes.
Emphasising the government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of war veterans, Major General Jayasekara (Retd) directed relevant stakeholders to take immediate and coordinated action. He stressed the importance of preserving the dignity of those who served the nation and ensuring that their living conditions reflect the honour they deserve.
The meeting marks a significant step towards restoring and revitalising the Ranajayapura Housing Complex as a model community for the country’s military heroes. The newly proposed committee is expected to work closely with local and defence authorities to deliver lasting solutions and uphold the integrity and welfare of the residents.
