Retired military personnel to be recruited to government service

The Presidential Secretariat yesterday appointed the first batch of retired military personnel as technical officers, under a newly introduced scheme. 

President Maithripala Sirisena presented letters of appointment to 50 retired members of the military.   

The national project to recruit retired soldiers with the objective of obtaining their services was initiated by the government. 

This project aims to channel the contribution of the war veterans after retirement towards national development, while contributing to their welfare as well.  

The President pointed out that unlike other categories of government service, military personnel retire at an early age despite their capacity to serve longer. 

 “Though some groups make various complaints stating that the government is not treating the military personnel well, the current government focuses on their welfare unlike any former government. The government is committed to protect their dignity”, the President said.

However the President assured that the move will not affect any new recruitment to the government. 

“We will offer the opportunities to the educated young generation as usual,” he stated. 

Over 110,000 retired military personnel have been identified as suitable for re-recruitment through the new scheme. To carry out the task, a welfare department for retired military personnel has been set up, under the Defense Ministry.