Males from NE can join armed forces

The Army said today males residing in the North and East could join the armed forces if and when vacancies were announced.

“Males with required qualifications from the North and East can apply to join the Armed Forces whenever vacancies are advertised. However, the need to specifically target a particular area does not arise because culturally males are willing to serve in any part of the island even away from their native places,” Military spokesman Ruwan Wanigasooriya said.

He said in a statement that Sri Lankan Armed Forces are open to any Sri Lankan citizen, who fulfills the necessary criteria such as educational qualifications, physical attributes, etc.
 
“The LTTE prevented citizens from the North and East from joining the Armed Forces prior to 2009. But a few defied LTTE orders and joined the Armed Forces and some have even paid the supreme sacrifice for their Motherland. Many others serve in senior ranks such as Major General, Brigadier, etc.” the statement said.

 “As there are vacancies in the Women's Corps battalions in the North and East a public awareness campaign has been launched in those areas encouraging females with required qualifications to join. The special emphasis for females in the area is because it will be convenient for them considering the close proximity to their work places whereas for females from other areas it will be challenging to serve away from their families.”