The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on secondment of Civil Defence personnel to the Police and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

¶ 02 They were recruited to secure border villages during the war, including many in Trincomalee District. After the war, they contributed to village work beyond duty. However, in past administrations, many were deployed to tasks beneath their professional dignity — sent to cities or other provinces to do sanitary work or to estates of politicians and associates. Hence many requested retirement with compensation, not out of dislike for service, but because assignments did not respect their role.

¶ 03 At the same time, we saw ex-military individuals with weapons training drawn into underworld crimes after losing livelihoods; thus retirement schemes also raised concerns. The Government therefore considered deploying Civil Defence to dignified, productive roles — especially addressing the elephant-human conflict via DWC, and supporting police manpower needs.

¶ 04 We propose that secondment be orderly and take time; provide adequate incentives so they volunteer — proper allowances, clear leave and deployment policies, access to police quarters when away from home, and transparent posting practices. In the past, some served 30–40 days without leave after secondment — this must be rectified. If structured properly, they are willing to serve effectively.