Military comes calling on youth

New recruits including volunteers and regulars, are being sought for Sri Lanka’s army by next month to fill vacancies.

Media spokesperson, Brigadier Chandana Wickramasinghe, said the volunteer force is seeking professionals who could be recruited as officers, or at other ranks.

The regular force is also open for people with skills and knowledge, including doctors and engineers.

The recruitment office for the Sri Lanka

Army said recruitment would continue until August. “We are looking to recruit another 50-100 officers,” the spokesman said.

After obtaining approval from the Ministry of Defence, existing vacancies will be posted. There are 45 vacancies.

“Some officers have retired, others are unwell, and there are absentees. New recruits will be needed to replace officers who have left the army,” the spokesman said.

Those between 18 and 26 years of age, unmarried, and physically fit are being sought for the regular force. About 200 are to be recruited.

Recruits will undergo training at the military academy for one and a half years. They would be commissioned as second lieutenants.

Civilians in employment can join the volunteer force and can choose to return to their jobs, the spokesman said. If and when the army needs their services “we will assign them,’’ he said.

Some officers have retired, others are unwell, and there are absentees. New recruits will be needed to replace officers who have left the army.