The Government is evaluating several foreign models of veterans’ services as part of the ongoing “Defence 2030” review process, The Daily Morning learned.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Thennakoon stated that the Government was evaluating several foreign institutions which had been established to serve veterans’ communities, including that of the US – the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
“It is on the cards – we are studying some of the systems which are there in other countries, including that of the US,” Thennakoon told The Daily Morning in response to a question.
According to the State Minister, the study is part of the “Defence 2030” review which the Government initiated last November.
According to Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) President Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Upul Perera, there are several hundred thousand retired and discharged service personnel who need a designated Government agency to address their issues.
Perera said that SLESA alone had over 50,000 members who represented 48 different bodies made up of ex-military personnel.
According to Perera, the Government should prioritise helping veterans find employment once they have been demobilised and also improve their access to healthcare.
Source By themorning.lk
