The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, today we are to debate two subject streams: regulations under the three Service Acts, and the Resolution to extend the State of Emergency, necessitated after the “8947” cyclone.

¶ 02 The Tri-Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—carry out immense duties domestically and also serve with distinction in UN peacekeeping, bringing recognition to our country. Within the Tri-Forces, there are women cadres in all three services. Under existing provisions, commissioned women officers have 20 years’ service with retirement at 45; other women ranks have 15 years with retirement at 45.

¶ 03 Under the regulations before us, we propose to extend for commissioned women officers the service period to 20 years with an increased retirement age to 55; and for other women ranks, extend service from 15 to 22 years with the retirement age also to 55. Furthermore, subject to the requirements of the service and on the recommendation of the Commanders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, they may be retained up to 60 years of age. This will allow about 66% to continue in service longer.

¶ 04 Women officers and other ranks in the Tri-Forces possess multi-disciplinary expertise—medical, engineering, ICT, administration, logistics, legal, accounts, clerical, and other professional streams—performing beyond routine duties. These regulations will structurally and institutionally uplift professionalism, productivity, and efficiency.

¶ 05 Presently, when women leave at 15 or 20 years, or at age 45, many depart at a time of high proficiency after significant domestic and overseas training. Their premature loss diminishes institutional capacity for national and public security. Extending service enables the State to benefit further from their skills for the country’s needs. Government spends substantially on their training; early retirement wastes that investment and reduces strategic capacity.

¶ 06 Women in service made exceptional sacrifices during the conflict years and more recently during the “Dicha” cyclone—leaving their families and tirelessly serving affected districts. Currently, there are tens of thousands in service; 53 female members lost their lives during the conflict period. Women of the forces have also excelled in sports, with 140 currently serving having won national medals. The proposed extensions enhance career progression and institutional professionalism. The President, as Minister of Defence, has stated in Parliament a reform agenda to modernize the Tri-Forces by 2030 to meet future threats with a technologically-advanced, professional, and experienced force. These regulations are an important step.

¶ 07 Regarding the Emergency: after the “OOo” cyclone, continuing the Emergency Regulations is necessary to sustain essential services under the Commissioner General of Essential Services. The “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” program requires rapid deployment of received foreign assistance and bridge construction, engaging public servants and Tri-Forces engineering units. Over 20 safe centres still shelter affected persons; essential services must continue to reach them. Amid global crises, not only war-torn or Middle East countries are affected; hence, extending the Emergency for a further 30 days or one month is timely. I conclude.

¶ 08 Thank you.