Retired Tri-Forces personnel, their families and members of the public were given an opportunity to take their concerns directly to the Ministry of Defence at a special Public Day held in Colombo on September 16.

The programme was conducted under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) at the Deputy Minister’s office, with the aim of providing prompt attention to grievances requiring intervention by the Ministry or coordination with other government institutions.

Major General Jayasekara personally listened to the matters raised by participants and directed the relevant officials to take necessary action and provide solutions without delay.

Officials representing several institutions were present to assist with the process. They included the Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority, representatives of the Department of Pensions, Pay and Records officers representing the Tri-Forces, officers from the Directorate of Army Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation, and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence.

Their involvement allowed matters requiring attention from different institutions to be taken up directly, helping participants seek assistance on issues connected with pensions, service-related matters and other concerns.

The Public Day was also notable for arrangements made to provide appropriate solutions to issues raised at the venue itself. According to the Ministry, this was the first occasion on which a programme of this nature was conducted with such arrangements.

For former service personnel and their families, the initiative provided a direct opportunity to place their concerns before officials and seek action on matters that had remained in need of attention.