As the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) marks its 77th anniversary on Saturday (10), its continuing journey of modernisation reflects an organisation adapting to a rapidly changing world while preserving the values and traditions that have shaped its service to the nation.
For more than seven decades, the Sri Lanka Army has stood as a key institution in the country’s national security framework. Yet the role of a modern Army extends well beyond traditional military responsibilities. Today, the Army contributes to disaster response, rescue operations, national development, humanitarian assistance, sports, innovation, and a range of services that directly connect it with the wider community.
A structured programme
Against this changing backdrop, the SLA is undertaking a structured programme of modernisation guided by the Land Force Defence Review 2030. The objective is not simply to acquire new equipment or introduce new technology, but to develop a more efficient, adaptable, and technologically capable organisation prepared to respond to the demands of the future.
The modernisation programme is built around eight interconnected areas: doctrine, organisation, training, material, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy. Together, these areas provide a comprehensive framework for transforming the Army while retaining its fundamental values and professional identity.
One important area is the modernisation of military doctrine and decision-making. The Army is moving towards a common approach to operational planning through the Decision-Making and Operational Planning Process (DOPP).
Supporting publications are also being updated to address emerging challenges, including the growing use of drones and other technologies in contemporary conflicts. This ensures that soldiers and commanders are trained and equipped intellectually to understand the changing nature of security threats.
Technological transformation
Modernisation is equally evident in the Army’s organisational structures. Technological advancement has created opportunities to improve efficiency and address manpower requirements through multitasking and better use of digital systems. Formations and units are being reviewed progressively to ensure that their structures and functions correspond with future operational requirements.
Training is another major focus. Modern simulation technologies are being introduced and developed for different areas of military training, including infantry and artillery. Such systems allow personnel to practice complex situations in realistic and controlled environments.
The planned introduction of Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPOE) into professional military education and training from 2027 will further develop the ability of commanders and staff to analyse information and understand operational environments.
The Army’s transformation is also being driven by innovation from within its own ranks. Innovation competitions and exhibitions conducted across the organisation have encouraged soldiers to develop practical solutions to military, administrative, engineering, and environmental challenges.
Initiatives such as the Army Innovation Challenge 2026, together with innovation expos conducted at different security forces headquarters, have provided platforms for personnel to transform ideas into practical solutions. Selected innovations are being supported through expert mentoring while some cases are progressing towards patent registration.
Perhaps one of the most visible aspects of this transformation is digitalisation. With the leadership of the Directorate of Information Technology, more than 90 software and web-based systems are currently supporting administrative, operational, and service-delivery requirements. These systems are helping to reduce reliance on paper-based procedures, minimise duplication of information, and improve the speed, accessibility, and accuracy of organisational processes.
The Army’s digital transformation is being progressively developed under the Army Enterprise Resource Planning (AERP) concept. The 2026–2030 digitalisation roadmap covers areas including human resources, pay, healthcare and welfare, supply and procurement, finance, operations, and manufacturing.
The expansion of the Army data network provides the infrastructure necessary to connect these systems across the organisation, with connectivity progressively extending from Army Headquarters and formations towards the battalion level.
The finest example of this digital transformation is Finger Swift 2K26, launched in July. Developed by the Army’s cybersecurity engineering team, the initiative includes applications designed to improve secure document sharing and administrative services. Applications such as the Liberty Bus Pass Management System, Annual Physical Efficiency Test System, and School Admission Management System are some of the latest developments that are efficiently used today.
The Army’s E-Portal is another important component of this digital environment. By providing access to institutional information and electronic doctrinal publications, it contributes to knowledge sharing and professional development throughout the organisation.
People, infrastructure and policy
Technology, however, is only one part of modernisation. The Army has also recognised the importance of developing the people who operate these systems. Recruitment, retention, and talent management are therefore being strengthened to ensure that personnel possess the skills required by a modern organisation.
The soldier of tomorrow will require not only physical and mental resilience, but also technological literacy, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively within increasingly digital information environments.
Leadership and education are similarly being strengthened. The development of an international relations analysis capability is intended to facilitate continuous assessment of global developments, conflicts, and emerging security concerns, as well as their possible implications for Sri Lanka. Such initiatives encourage a broader understanding of the international environment in which the Army operates.
The modernisation of the Army also extends to infrastructure and future policy. As the security environment becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, the Army is developing capabilities compatible with a multi-domain environment, involving areas such as land, air, maritime, cyber, information, and the electromagnetic environment.
This does not mean abandoning its core role as a land force; rather, it reflects the need to operate effectively alongside other national security institutions in an interconnected environment.
A future-ready force
The 77th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army therefore provides an appropriate moment to look beyond the achievements of the past and towards the capabilities required for tomorrow.
In the modern context, the Army is not solely defined by technology or its strength, but by how effectively its people, doctrine, information, and technology are integrated.
In these aspects, the continued transformation and modernisation of the Sri Lanka Army illustrates its future-readiness and capability for a digitally enabled, professionally competent, and future-ready force.
(The writer is from the Directorate of Media and Psychological Operations of the Sri Lanka Army)
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official position of this publication)