President hands over Pension Letters to CDF Personnel
President Mahinda Rajapaksa presented pension letters to Civil Defence Force (CDF) personnel who have completed the required twenty years of service during a ceremony held recently. Gracing the ceremony as the chief guest the President presented letters to ten CDF personnel as a symbolic gesture.
Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was also present at the ceremony held at the Rajarata University Grounds in Mihintale.
The National Home Guard Service was established as a Voluntary Service in the mid 1980's to protect the border/ threatened villages. They were not paid any allowances, but some rations were issued through co-operative outlets.Subsequently, they were paid a daily allowance and placed under the Police Department. Training was carried out at Kumbuka camp in Horana.
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse by gazette notification No. 1462/20 dated 13th September 2006, re-structured the whole Home Guard Service and established the Civil Security Department.
The CDF played an important role during the humanitarian operations. With the end of war they are involved in development, rehabilitation and agricultural projects.
In recognition of their services many welfare initiatives have been taken to ensure the wellbeing of them and their families.
Under this initiative two hundred and seventy one houses constructed under the direction of the Secretary Defence by the Seva Vanitha Unit was also presented to deserving CDF personnel during the ceremony. As a symbolic gesture fifteen personnel received keys to their new homes from the President. The houses were constructed under the fourth phase of the housing project with the labour provided by CDF personnel.
In addition death gratuity grants of one million each was presented to the families of ten CDF personnel under the Suwasaviya Fund by Secretary Defence.
In recognition of the exemplary services rendered to the agricultural projects of the CDF ten personnel were presented with air tickets to make the pilgrimage to Dambadiwa in India.
Venerable members of the Maha Sangha, Governor of the North central Provice, ministers, tri forces commanders, Inspector General of Police, Director General of the CDF Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris, chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the CDF Mrs. Kumuduni Peiris, senior military and CDF officers and a large number of CDF personnel were present at the occasion.(MoD/KH)
