The Sri Lanka Army has issued a directive requiring all personnel below the rank of Major to hand over their passports to their respective Regimental Headquarters for safekeeping. The measure, which applies to officers and soldiers across all units, aims to streamline deployments for peacekeeping missions and overseas training programs.
According to the order, the passports will be held under the custody of Headquarters Commanding Officers at each Regimental Headquarters, ensuring that they are stored securely. Personnel who need to retrieve their passports for any reason will be required to obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Defense.
Military sources indicate that this move is designed to facilitate the Army’s participation in international peacekeeping duties and training programs, preventing unauthorized travel and ensuring efficient personnel management. The Sri Lanka Army has been actively involved in UN peacekeeping operations, and this measure is expected to improve deployment logistics.
Additionally, this step may also be linked to concerns about soldier retention, as the Army has reportedly seen an increase in personnel seeking to leave military service and migrate abroad. By holding passports at the Regimental Headquarters, authorities can monitor travel requests more effectively and reduce the risk of unapproved absences or resignations.
While the Army insists that soldiers will be able to retrieve their passports when needed, critics argue that this restriction could limit personal freedom and affect those seeking travel for personal reasons, such as higher education or family visits. However, military officials have assured that all passport requests will be processed fairly and that the decision is purely administrative, aimed at improving operational efficiency.
