Soldiers' families 'not paid enough'

Soldiers' families 'not paid enough'

Families of killed soldiers are paid only Rs.150,000 for over 23 years

Disabled soldiers in Sri Lanka have accused the authorities of ignoring their plight and that of the families of killed service personnel.

Asoka Dayaratne, of Organisation for Disabled Soldiers, said the compensation paid for war victims is not adequate.

"For over 23 years, families

of a killed soldier is still paid mere

Rs.150,000," he told BBC Sandeshaya.

Families of late Generals, Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Vijaya Wimalaratne were also paid just Rs. 150,000

Disabled Soldiers' Organisation

He recalled that families of senior Sri Lanka Army officers were also paid the same amount though politicians were paid much higher compensation.

"Families of late Generals, Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Vijaya Wimalaratne were also paid just Rs. 150,000," Asoka Dayaratne told BBCSinhala.com.

"However, late minister Ashroff's family, for example, was paid Rs 5 million".

However, late minister Ashroff's family, for example, was paid Rs 5 million

Disabled Soldiers' Organisation

Consecutive governments have ignored the plight of families of the service personnel despite repeated pledges, the organisation said.

Those who were killed before completing a 12-year service in police or armed forces are stripped of pension rights, Asoka Dayaratne said.

Asked whether it is justifiable to ask more money at a time country is facing financial difficulties, he said: "If politicians can raise their salaries, if trade unions' requests are being granted, why not for soldiers who sacrifice their lives?".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/20...pensation.shtml

Edited August 27, 200718 yr by தயா