News
Army strength down to 143,000 from peak of 230,000 at end of war
The total strength of the Sri Lanka Army, which stood at approximately 230,000 at the end of the war, has now decreased to around 143,000, according to the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA), Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara, during a recent televised interview.
He explained that during the final phase of the war, the Army recruited several intakes within a short period. “Now, a large number of those personnel are retiring after completing their service. Moreover, we have limited recruitment as we no longer require such large numbers of troops. However, we have not compromised national security. New recruits undergo significantly longer training periods, and we have invested more capital in technology,” he said.
Major General Nanayakkara noted that out of the 143,000 troops, one-third are members of the Volunteer Corps.
He also addressed concerns regarding former Army officers involved in unlawful activities, stating that such incidents are minimal compared to the total number of current and former soldiers. “These individuals are often driven by economic desperation or drug addiction. However, the reputational damage they cause to the army is significant. We have taken strict action against such individuals and are taking steps to prevent current or former soldiers from being involved in crime due to poverty or addiction,” he added.
Meanwhile, Director of Sports, Brigadier Thushara Fernando, highlighted that the SLA has 41 committees dedicated to promoting various sports. Currently, 1,275 sportsmen are part of the Army. “Even Duncan White was an Army officer, holding the rank of lieutenant, and Susanthika Jayasinghe was also attached to the Army. These are examples of athletes at the highest level,” he said.
Brigadier Fernando revealed that 1,184 sportsmen from the Army have competed in international tournaments, winning numerous medals and bringing pride to Sri Lanka. “The Army provides for the training, rest, and nutrition of these athletes. We have a sports village where they can rest, train scientifically, and receive proper nutrition,” he noted.
Additionally, Brigadier Fernando announced plans to construct a biomechanics lab. “This will enable our coaches to study the body mechanics of our athletes in greater detail, with a focus on strength and conditioning, rate of force development, and neuromuscular performance. Currently, only the Sabaragamuwa University has a biomechanics lab, and we collaborate closely with them to improve the performance of our athletes,” he explained.
Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps, Major Kalhari Perera, reported that the Army includes 673 female officers and 5,418 other ranks. The highest rank achieved by a female officer to date is that of Major General.
The training period for female officers is currently one year, during which they receive a diploma. In contrast, male cadets undergo two years and nine months of training, earning a degree. Male short-commissioned officers receive one year of training, upon which they also receive a diploma. These officers may serve for a maximum period of 20 years or until the age of 45. However, the Army is considering extending the retirement age for female officers to 55 and taking steps to ensure they reach higher ranks.
Protesting Development Officers continued their hunger strike near the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo yesterday (01), for the seventh consecutive day.The protesters, who are members of the Lanka School Development Officers’ Association, are demanding that they be absorbed into the teacher service as they have served as teachers in state-run schools for nearly seven years.
Secretary of the Association, Viraj Manaranga, said the protesters were seeking an urgent meeting with the President. He added that a presidential aide had visited the protest site and offered to arrange for a meeting with the President on 03 Feb., but the union insisted on an earlier date. Manaranga warned that failure to grant a meeting could trigger a massive protest in Colombo today (02).
Four officers participating in the hunger strike have been hospitalised due to deteriorating health, while two more joined the fast on Saturday (31).
In a bid to raise awareness of their grievances, on 30 January a delegation of the All Island Development Officers’ Association visited Most Venerable
Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, and subsequently with the Chapter’s Registrar, Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thera. The prelates said promises that had been made to them should be fulfilled.
The protest began on 26 January as a satyagraha, after authorities failed to respond to repeated requests to integrate the officers into the teaching service. The escalation into a fast-unto-death underscores the protesters’ frustration over the prolonged delay
by Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon
The long-vacant post of Auditor General would be filled on 03 Feb., after months of controversy and delays, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake said on Friday (31) in Kandy.
The Constitutional Council met at the Parliamentary complex on Friday to discuss the appointment but failed to reach a decision on a suitable candidate. The President had previously proposed four names on four separate occasions, all of which were rejected. The Council is now set to consider the fifth nominee.
The post has remained vacant since April 2025, following the retirement of Chulanta Wickramaratne, who served as the 41st Auditor General. More than 10 months have passed without a permanent appointment.
Sources said a female officer in the Auditor General’s Department has been nominated again, though her previous recommendation was rejected due to some allegations against her.
Meanwhile, senior audit officer Dharmapala Gammanpila, with 31 years of service and the department’s most senior official, has received backing from the Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas, the Maha Sangha, and several civil society groups for appointment as the 42nd Auditor General.
Sources noted that the three civil society representatives on the Constitutional Council will play a crucial role in the final decision.
by Chaminda Silva and SK Samaranayake
Two 18-year-old youth were arrested by the Southern Division of the Western Province Crime Division on 31 January for allegedly aiding and abetting two murders carried out in Dehiwala and Kohuwala. ICE (crystal meth) was found in their possession at the time of arrest.
The suspects are residents of Mount Lavinia and Boralesgamuwa, according to the police. They are accused of having helped carry out a murder at a hotel in the Dehiwala Police Division on 9 January, 2026, and an attack on a person travelling in a three-wheeler at Bodhiyawatta, Kohuwala, on 12 December, 2025.
Police said the charges included sending photographs of the victims to a criminal living overseas.
Investigations revealed that the youth had acted under the direction of a criminal known as Sando.
Under the guidance of Janaka Kumara, Director of the Southern Division of the Western Province Crime Division, investigations are being led by Police Inspector Hemanta Kumara, assisted by Sub-Inspectors Prasanna Gunathilaka and Prasanna (40248), and Constables Chaminda (72987), Anil (79598), Kumar (88762), and Senanayake (19363), who are continuing the probe.
by Norman Palihawadane and Chaminda Silva
Shoulder injury casts doubt over Eshan Malinga’s T20 World Cup
Showers expected in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Western, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Central provinces
Development Officers threaten to intensify their protest
Auditor General to be appointed tomorrow
Two arrested for aiding and abetting murder
CID summons former First Lady again
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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