Urgent need for military sector reform

Sixteen years have passed since the end of the war, yet the military remains largely unchanged in terms of size, structure, and expenditure. Despite no significant external threats, Sri Lanka continues to maintain one of the largest militaries in the world relative to its economy and population. This has led to significant financial burdens on the State while failing to modernise or redefine the military’s role in a post-war era.

Sri Lanka’s military ranks as the 17th largest in the world, even though the country is only the 77th largest economy and the 60th most populous nation. The disproportionate size of the military, coupled with its rising budget, has placed an undue strain on the country’s finances. Even after the war ended in 2009, military spending has continued to increase exponentially. Instead of right-sizing the forces to meet peacetime needs, successive Governments have allowed the military to expand into civilian sectors such as farming, aviation, and tourism—areas traditionally reserved for private enterprise.

This unchecked expansion has not only distorted the labour market but has also led to inefficiencies in both the public and private sectors. A professional and well-paid military focused on strategic defence would be far more beneficial than an oversized force with diluted responsibilities.

The failure to downsize the military has also resulted in an increase in desertions, leading to a rise in organised crime. Many recent criminal incidents, including gang-related violence, have been linked to military deserters who lack alternative employment opportunities. Instead of maintaining a large, underutilised force, Sri Lanka should focus on creating a leaner, well-trained, and professional military that offers better pay and benefits to those who remain in service.

Paradoxically, despite heavy military spending, its defence capabilities have deteriorated. The Sri Lanka Air Force for example lacks a single airworthy jet, making it incapable of defending the nation’s airspace. It has also struggled to acquire even the necessary helicopters required for international peacekeeping missions, which could generate significant revenue for the country. This stark reality highlights the misallocation of resources—where funds are spent on maintaining personnel rather than on modernising equipment and capabilities.

The Army remains top-heavy, with an excessive number of generals and senior officers but without a clear strategic directive. In contrast, many other nations that have transitioned from war to peace have successfully restructured their military forces to meet new security and economic realities. Without a clear vision, the military risks becoming an economic liability rather than a national asset.

As Sri Lanka grapples with economic challenges and increasing internal security concerns, military reform must become a national priority. The Government should take decisive steps to downsize and professionalise the military; reduce the size of the armed forces while ensuring that those who remain are better trained, better equipped, and better paid; allocate resources efficiently to acquire and maintain necessary defence equipment and reintegrate ex-soldiers into society. This requires the development of robust reintegration programs for deserters and discharged soldiers to prevent them from turning to crime.

The Government must choose between maintaining an oversized, inefficient military or embracing meaningful reform that prioritises national security, economic stability, and social harmony. As the spate of crimes highlights the threats posed by deserters with military training it should also be an opportunity to address the long overdue reforms needed in the whole military sector.