'Api Wenuwen Api' Fund Set for Major Overhaul | To Improve Living Conditions of War Heroes

COLOMBO (News 1st); The government is considering merging the “Api Wenuwen Api” Fund and the National Security Fund into a single, stronger welfare mechanism aimed at improving support for military personnel and veterans, Deputy Minister of Defence Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara told Parliament today (6).

Responding to a question raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Ajith P. Perera, the Deputy Minister said the two funds currently serve similar purposes relating to national security and the welfare of war veterans, and discussions are underway on creating a single framework to manage those responsibilities more effectively.

Jayasekara told Parliament that instructions had already been issued for the proposal to be discussed by the Board of Management of the National Security Fund. He said the government believes a consolidated fund could provide stronger support to former service personnel and their families.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted concerns over the condition of several Ranaviru (war hero) villages, claiming that infrastructure development had lagged for more than a decade. According to him, some settlements still lack essential facilities such as water, electricity and road access, resulting in numerous partially constructed houses being abandoned by beneficiaries over the years.

He further stated that the government is examining ways to utilize available resources to improve welfare services for veterans, including measures to support former military personnel burdened by loans obtained from financial institutions. Jayasekara said authorities are exploring relief mechanisms that could help ease financial hardships faced by veterans and their families.

During the exchange, SJB MP Ajith P. Perera argued that preventing the recurrence of conflict should remain a national priority. He noted that development initiatives in the Northern and Eastern Provinces are crucial to improving the livelihoods of Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities living in those areas.

Perera pointed to several agreements entered into between Sri Lanka and India in April 2025, saying they were intended to create new opportunities for communities in the North and East. He also referred to Indian-funded development projects, including improvements to Kankesanthurai Harbour and Palaly Airport, questioning whether available assistance was being fully utilized.

The opposition MP asked what measures were being taken not only to improve the lives of veterans through the “Api Wenuwen Api” Fund but also to help prevent future conflicts and ensure the proper use of development funding in the Northern Province.

In response, Jayasekara maintained that the question extended beyond the scope of the fund under discussion, noting that national security and reconciliation initiatives are handled through separate administrative mechanisms.

The Deputy Minister said the “Api Wenuwen Api” Fund was specifically designed for veteran welfare and could not be used for broader security-related objectives. He added that questions regarding such issues should be directed through the appropriate channels.

Jayasekara also pointed to the positive reception received by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his recent visit to Jaffna, arguing that the government's approach and policies were helping to build goodwill among communities without relying on constitutional or federal arrangements