The government expects to slash the number of Sri Lanka Army personnel to one hundred and thirty five thousand from two hundred thousand by next year, revealed State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Thennakoon.
“The number of Sri Lanka Army personnel is 200,783. We expect to slash the number of estimated Sri Lanka Army personnel to 135,000 by the year 2024. In addition, by 2030 we expect to maintain our Army by about 100,000 personnel. This decision has been taken following a thorough study and an understanding,” Thennakoon said.
The Minister went on: “National Security and Economy are two sides of the same coin. Every country prioritises National Security. Accordingly, every government considering that priority allocates the highest amount from their budgets for National Security. As long as National Security exists the country’s Economy strengthens. Therefore, we as a government give priority to National Security always.”
Despite the number of military personnel being slashed the move will not affect National Security whatsoever, he added.
MIAP
