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.