Sri Lanka’s government is set to implement a policy that will limit military personnel’s duties strictly to defense-related roles. Deputy Minister of Defense, Major General Aruna Jayasekara, confirmed that the policy, which restricts military personnel to their primary responsibility of national defense, will be enforced in the coming weeks.
This move comes after years of military personnel being assigned to various non-military roles, particularly after the conclusion of the internal conflict in 2009. For years, Sri Lanka’s armed forces have been involved in a variety of duties outside the traditional defense sector, including tasks related to disaster management, construction projects, and public services. While these contributions have been recognized as important, there is now a renewed emphasis on refocusing the military’s efforts on its primary function.
Secretary to the Ministry of Defense, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha, explained that the security forces will now be deployed exclusively for the defense of the country. He stated that the military’s involvement in non-defense duties, which had been a longstanding practice, will be scaled back.
In addition to limiting military duties, the Ministry of Defense is reviewing the overall structure of the armed forces. Thuyakontha highlighted that the aim is to improve resource utilization, boost operational efficiency, and prioritize quality over quantity in personnel selection. This review will focus on targeted recruitment strategies to ensure that the armed forces are adequately staffed with highly trained personnel suited for their specialized roles.
Moreover, the government plans to pay greater tribute to the sacrifices made by war heroes, recognizing their contributions to the country. The shift in focus aims to ensure that the military’s capabilities remain concentrated on national defense and security, maintaining the country’s defense readiness and improving the efficiency of the armed forces.
With this policy, the government aims to restore the military’s core responsibilities and allow it to better contribute to the country’s defense capabilities while gradually transitioning away from roles in non-military sectors.
