No one would be allowed to betray the freedom won for the nation by heroic soldiers, sacrificing their lives, he added.

The President expressed these views at a ceremony to hand over pension documents to the members of the Civil Defense Force. The ceremony was held at the Rajarata University grounds yesterday (Nov. 23).

The Mahinda Chintana Policy pledged to make Civil Defence Force, a permanent service and to provide a pension for the members who complete 24 years of service. Speaking on the occasion President Rajapaksa pointed out that the country is on the path to development by eradicating terrorism and everyone should join to create a better future for children. The President said that he was addressing them after giving them pension rights.

This is the motherland of everyone and there is no other country for all those born here. He assured to protect the country which was saved by them, despite the obstacles that may arise in the future, the President said. He said that there is work to be completed. He pointed out that the future of the youth and the unborn children should be thought of. He added that a better country should be created for future generations.

The President handed over 271 houses built for the Civil Defence Force officials by the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development. (PRIU)