By Sumudu Chamara
Whether Sri Lanka is on its way to militarisation – as feared by some following the end of the war – is one of the most discussed topics of this week, which attracted the attention of the international community as well. This discussion was triggered by a statement made by Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera on 18 January; that he will take steps to put forward a proposal to Parliament with the aim of commencing a programme to give military training to all Sri Lankans above the age of 18 years.
According to him, the final objective of this proposal is to create a more disciplined and law-abiding society. He also stated that there is no reason for the public to be alarmed over this proposal. He had told the media that this proposal will give priority to creating a disciplined young generation, while boosting leadership skills in youths.
Even though the exact nature of the Minister’s proposal is not yet known, Sri Lankans, including but not limited to the public, human rights activists, academics, political leaders, and journalists, expressed concerns about this proposal, as after the war in 2009, a number of parties alleged that the then Government was in the process of gradually introducing militarisation to Sri Lanka. Another factor that fuelled this tension was the Government deploying security forces personnel to implement development and Covid-19 control projects, which involves dealing very closely with the public.
The armed forces are involved in many aspects of civilian life, and it has, in my opinion, come to a point where it affects people’s lives, claimed Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) Convenor Ven. Ratakarawwe Jinarathana Thera.
Speaking to The Morning, the monk said that the proposal to give military training to Sri Lankans above the age of 18 implies that the Government seems to believe in the misconception that the society can be disciplined by forcing it to undergo military training.
[caption id="attachment_115107" align="alignright" width="454"]
Conscription in South Korea has existed since 1957 and requires male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28 to perform compulsory military service[/caption]
Marching towards a militarised society
Speaking of the broad topic of militarisation in Sri Lanka, Jinarathana Thera alleged that there is an ongoing programme aimed at militarising the entire Sri Lankan society, and that university students, as young people, may also be targeted as part of this programme. This long-term, well-planned programme has already affected undergraduates in many ways, Jinarathana Thera claimed, alleging that attempts to install closed circuit television cameras within university premises, appointing ex-military personnel as administrative officers in public instructions, and deploying intelligence unit members in universities were examples of such attempts.
Jinarathana Thera went on to criticise the involvement of security forces personnel in various civil activities, and added that the Government’s focus should instead be on resolving pressing issues that are affecting the youth, in particular the university students. Among the issues pointed out by the monk were the lack of opportunities for students who pass the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A/L) examination to enter universities, and the lack of job opportunities for youth.
“The authorities, instead of addressing these issues that have festered for decades, are now planning to give the youth military training, which is of no use for them in the long run. Every year, close to 150,000 students pass the GCE A/L examination, and in 2019 alone, around 180,000 students passed. However, not all of them could enter universities despite being qualified, and only some of them received jobs despite protests by us; and these are the issues that indirectly make a society undisciplined," he added.
"Without recruiting and training qualified youth, the authorities are trying to get military personnel to teach English, mathematics, and IT – a scenario that is unacceptable. Problems faced by those above the age of 18 are not whether they have military training, but unemployment, the lack of career guidance, and the lack of a proper education."
The monk further alleged that the Government, while claiming to improve the young generation’s discipline, is plotting to suppress the opposition arising from the people, especially the youth, due to the Government’s failures that have caused an economic collapse. “The Government wants an obedient community that accepts everything that it does,” he opined.
[caption id="attachment_115110" align="alignright" width="456"]
Military training in Sri Lanka PHOTO ©️ Sri Lanka Army[/caption]
‘Discipline’ to silence dissent?
Speaking of the leadership training for university students that was launched several years ago with the aim of boosting leadership skills in university students, Jinarathan Thera added: “In the 2011-2012 era, every student who entered university had to undergo a three-month period of military training at military camps. This was called leadership training. We are of the opinion that the underlying objective of this programme was to prevent university students from opposing Government plans, and instead to compel them to accept everything the Government did. But it failed, as most of the students engaged in student movements today are those who received that very training.”
He added: “People’s real issues cannot be undermined by giving them military or leadership training. Irrespective of what the authorities teach at these trainings, the youth have to face real life issues such as inadequate educational opportunities and rising unemployment. Training of this nature cannot solve those issues, and the public will not be silent about these ineffective programmes.
“When there is no war going on, the proposed training is unnecessary. Even if there was a war, why train the youth, when there are three defence forces in addition to the Police? More importantly, the public must understand the biggest reason why it is inappropriate for the defence forces to engage in activities related to civilian lives – it is because the military was specifically trained for wars and other forms of armed conflicts, and not to work for development projects.”
Jinarathana Thera further alleged that the proposed programme to introduce military training for youth is a part of the Government’s long-term plans aimed at creating a military-run junta and a society. “This attempt, however, faces criticism from within the Government too,” he said, adding that the IUSF is contemplating taking necessary actions to counter attempts by the authorities to silence the youth.
[caption id="attachment_115111" align="alignright" width="451"]
Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera PHOTO ©️ Business Today[/caption]
What say the citizens?
The Morning, in a bid to obtain public opinion about the said proposal, spoke with several persons in the locale of Piliyandala Town. Among them were randomly selected persons, from youth to the middle aged. While the majority of them were employed in the public and private sector, a handful of them were pursuing higher education.
Most of them were of the opinion that even though there may be circumstances where young people who have received military training may support the country in general, the implementation of this proposal should not be done hastily. They also opined that there is no pressing or urgent need to implement such a proposal, as Sri Lanka is slowly becoming a peaceful country. Some of them told The Morning that since Sri Lanka already has three main defence forces, namely the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, as well as the Police, providing military training to the next generation would appear to be superfluous.
Several persons who conveyed their opinion on this matter to The Morning also emphasised that since there is no war in the country currently, the Minister’s proposal raises concerns as to its motives. Some, who requested The Morning for anonymity, wondered as to whether this proposal may be a form of preparation to face an imminent war or a conflict in the country.
Citing Dr. Weerasekera’s statement about the objective of this project, some – in particular, youths – opined that in a context where a number of ex-defence forces personnel have been identified as members of organised criminal gangs, giving the youth military training cannot be expected to create a disciplined society. They questioned: “If military training can make a disciplined society, how and why did those ex-defence forces personnel turn into criminals?”
Certain others who spoke to The Morning shared differing opinions on the matter. They said that following the end of the war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Government had deployed defence forces personnel for civil activities such as contracting various buildings, farming, and Covid-19 management activities, among others. They also expressed concerns about appointing a number of ex-military personnel as heads of several public institutions. They added that even though the war has ended, using defence forces – who have received training to engage in armed conflicts mostly – in activities involving civilians cannot be recommended, unless in extremely urgent situations that involve matters of national security.
They further said that discipline has to be taught in schools, not through military training, and that in the event the said proposal is implemented, it will end up creating an obedient society filled with people who blindly follow the Government’s orders, instead of their conscience.
Real issues that require addressing
Another fact that was repeatedly emphasised by those who spoke with The Morning in this regard was that the youth are facing far more complex and burning issues, and that giving them military training, therefore, cannot be a priority. They added that the youth are going through an astronomical number of social ills, including, but not limited to, unemployment, the drug menace, gender disparity, poverty, and also the lack of educational opportunities. If the Government genuinely wants to create a disciplined society, resolving these matters will be more than enough, as it will resolve a large number of issues faced by the youth. Furthermore, they added that the Government needs to discuss with the country’s youth and identify what issues need to be prioritised when devising and implementing Government plans for the country’s future.
The Morning attempted to contact Minister of Public Security Dr. Weerasekera to discuss his proposal; however, he was unable to be reached.
Mandatory military service exists in around 28 countries, including, but not limited to, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bermuda, Brazil, Myanmar, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Iran, Israel, Norway, and Russia. However, before proposing or implementing such a programme in Sri Lanka, a proper needs-based assessment should be conducted.
Sri Lanka is a country that has experienced the bitter consequences of war and the mountain of debt that followed. In a context where the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the country’s economy to an unbearable extent, using the country’s resources effectively, for properly planned programmes with a clear objective, is more important than ever. People’s needs should always be the authorities’ priority, and when authorities’ decisions do not align with the public’s needs, it could create a whole new issue.
Conscription in South Korea has existed since 1957 and requires male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28 to perform compulsory military service[/caption]
Marching towards a militarised society
Speaking of the broad topic of militarisation in Sri Lanka, Jinarathana Thera alleged that there is an ongoing programme aimed at militarising the entire Sri Lankan society, and that university students, as young people, may also be targeted as part of this programme. This long-term, well-planned programme has already affected undergraduates in many ways, Jinarathana Thera claimed, alleging that attempts to install closed circuit television cameras within university premises, appointing ex-military personnel as administrative officers in public instructions, and deploying intelligence unit members in universities were examples of such attempts.
Jinarathana Thera went on to criticise the involvement of security forces personnel in various civil activities, and added that the Government’s focus should instead be on resolving pressing issues that are affecting the youth, in particular the university students. Among the issues pointed out by the monk were the lack of opportunities for students who pass the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A/L) examination to enter universities, and the lack of job opportunities for youth.
“The authorities, instead of addressing these issues that have festered for decades, are now planning to give the youth military training, which is of no use for them in the long run. Every year, close to 150,000 students pass the GCE A/L examination, and in 2019 alone, around 180,000 students passed. However, not all of them could enter universities despite being qualified, and only some of them received jobs despite protests by us; and these are the issues that indirectly make a society undisciplined," he added.
"Without recruiting and training qualified youth, the authorities are trying to get military personnel to teach English, mathematics, and IT – a scenario that is unacceptable. Problems faced by those above the age of 18 are not whether they have military training, but unemployment, the lack of career guidance, and the lack of a proper education."
The monk further alleged that the Government, while claiming to improve the young generation’s discipline, is plotting to suppress the opposition arising from the people, especially the youth, due to the Government’s failures that have caused an economic collapse. “The Government wants an obedient community that accepts everything that it does,” he opined.
[caption id="attachment_115110" align="alignright" width="456"] Military training in Sri Lanka PHOTO ©️ Sri Lanka Army[/caption]
‘Discipline’ to silence dissent?
Speaking of the leadership training for university students that was launched several years ago with the aim of boosting leadership skills in university students, Jinarathan Thera added: “In the 2011-2012 era, every student who entered university had to undergo a three-month period of military training at military camps. This was called leadership training. We are of the opinion that the underlying objective of this programme was to prevent university students from opposing Government plans, and instead to compel them to accept everything the Government did. But it failed, as most of the students engaged in student movements today are those who received that very training.”
He added: “People’s real issues cannot be undermined by giving them military or leadership training. Irrespective of what the authorities teach at these trainings, the youth have to face real life issues such as inadequate educational opportunities and rising unemployment. Training of this nature cannot solve those issues, and the public will not be silent about these ineffective programmes.
“When there is no war going on, the proposed training is unnecessary. Even if there was a war, why train the youth, when there are three defence forces in addition to the Police? More importantly, the public must understand the biggest reason why it is inappropriate for the defence forces to engage in activities related to civilian lives – it is because the military was specifically trained for wars and other forms of armed conflicts, and not to work for development projects.”
Jinarathana Thera further alleged that the proposed programme to introduce military training for youth is a part of the Government’s long-term plans aimed at creating a military-run junta and a society. “This attempt, however, faces criticism from within the Government too,” he said, adding that the IUSF is contemplating taking necessary actions to counter attempts by the authorities to silence the youth.
[caption id="attachment_115111" align="alignright" width="451"] Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera PHOTO ©️ Business Today[/caption]
What say the citizens?
The Morning, in a bid to obtain public opinion about the said proposal, spoke with several persons in the locale of Piliyandala Town. Among them were randomly selected persons, from youth to the middle aged. While the majority of them were employed in the public and private sector, a handful of them were pursuing higher education.
Most of them were of the opinion that even though there may be circumstances where young people who have received military training may support the country in general, the implementation of this proposal should not be done hastily. They also opined that there is no pressing or urgent need to implement such a proposal, as Sri Lanka is slowly becoming a peaceful country. Some of them told The Morning that since Sri Lanka already has three main defence forces, namely the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, as well as the Police, providing military training to the next generation would appear to be superfluous.
Several persons who conveyed their opinion on this matter to The Morning also emphasised that since there is no war in the country currently, the Minister’s proposal raises concerns as to its motives. Some, who requested The Morning for anonymity, wondered as to whether this proposal may be a form of preparation to face an imminent war or a conflict in the country.
Citing Dr. Weerasekera’s statement about the objective of this project, some – in particular, youths – opined that in a context where a number of ex-defence forces personnel have been identified as members of organised criminal gangs, giving the youth military training cannot be expected to create a disciplined society. They questioned: “If military training can make a disciplined society, how and why did those ex-defence forces personnel turn into criminals?”
Certain others who spoke to The Morning shared differing opinions on the matter. They said that following the end of the war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Government had deployed defence forces personnel for civil activities such as contracting various buildings, farming, and Covid-19 management activities, among others. They also expressed concerns about appointing a number of ex-military personnel as heads of several public institutions. They added that even though the war has ended, using defence forces – who have received training to engage in armed conflicts mostly – in activities involving civilians cannot be recommended, unless in extremely urgent situations that involve matters of national security.
They further said that discipline has to be taught in schools, not through military training, and that in the event the said proposal is implemented, it will end up creating an obedient society filled with people who blindly follow the Government’s orders, instead of their conscience.
Real issues that require addressing
Another fact that was repeatedly emphasised by those who spoke with The Morning in this regard was that the youth are facing far more complex and burning issues, and that giving them military training, therefore, cannot be a priority. They added that the youth are going through an astronomical number of social ills, including, but not limited to, unemployment, the drug menace, gender disparity, poverty, and also the lack of educational opportunities. If the Government genuinely wants to create a disciplined society, resolving these matters will be more than enough, as it will resolve a large number of issues faced by the youth. Furthermore, they added that the Government needs to discuss with the country’s youth and identify what issues need to be prioritised when devising and implementing Government plans for the country’s future.
The Morning attempted to contact Minister of Public Security Dr. Weerasekera to discuss his proposal; however, he was unable to be reached.
Mandatory military service exists in around 28 countries, including, but not limited to, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bermuda, Brazil, Myanmar, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Iran, Israel, Norway, and Russia. However, before proposing or implementing such a programme in Sri Lanka, a proper needs-based assessment should be conducted.
Sri Lanka is a country that has experienced the bitter consequences of war and the mountain of debt that followed. In a context where the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the country’s economy to an unbearable extent, using the country’s resources effectively, for properly planned programmes with a clear objective, is more important than ever. People’s needs should always be the authorities’ priority, and when authorities’ decisions do not align with the public’s needs, it could create a whole new issue.