President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced plans to significantly reduce the size of Sri Lanka’s security forces by 2030, while focusing on transforming the military into a technologically advanced force.
Speaking during the budget committee stage debate in Parliament today (28), the President addressed concerns over defense spending and emphasized the need for strategic reforms in the military.
“I saw discussions regarding defense expenditure. We need to invest more wisely in defense, but at the same time, we will streamline our forces. By 2030, we will limit the army to 100,000 personnel, the air force to 18,000, and the navy to 40,000. While the numbers will be reduced, our goal is to transition to a modern, technologically advanced military that aligns with future security needs,” President Dissanayake stated.
The move marks a major shift in Sri Lanka’s defense strategy, reflecting the government’s intent to optimize resources, reduce military expenditures, and modernize national security infrastructure. The President’s announcement signals a shift from a large conventional force to a leaner, tech-driven military, focusing on cybersecurity, intelligence, and modern defense capabilities.
This restructuring comes amid growing discussions on economic recovery, national security challenges, and global defense trends, positioning Sri Lanka’s armed forces for a strategic transformation over the next decade.
