Assuming office at a time when Sri Lanka faces both new opportunities and challenges, the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army brings with him over three and a half decades of military experience and leadership.
In his first in-depth interview with a newspaper following his appointment, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo speaks candidly about his journey from a young cadet to the apex of Army leadership, the evolution of the Army before and after the war, and his vision for a modern, disciplined, and professional force. In this exclusive conversation, he also addresses pressing concerns such as desertion, weapons accountability, national development roles, and the welfare of war heroes, offering a clear perspective on the direction the Army will take under his command.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q: How did the role and character of the Sri Lanka Army evolve during the war and in the post-war period?
A: It is important to emphasize from the outset that the Army never conducted a war against civilians. Instead, the Army was engaged in a humanitarian mission aimed at liberating civilians from the LTTE, which was a terrorist organisation. For instance, during the Mavil Aru incident, the event that marked the beginning of the humanitarian operation, the LTTE cut off civilians’ access to water, violating their fundamental human rights. This compelled the Army to launch a humanitarian operation to restore those basic rights.
During this operation, the Army always served as defenders of the nation. The Army was able to rescue a large number of civilians who were being held as hostages by the LTTE. This is why the Sri Lanka Army was recognised as one of the best humanitarian forces in the world.
Following the conclusion of the operation and the arrival of peace in the country, the Army took on a vital role in nation-building. The Army was instrumental in rebuilding the lives of people in the war-affected North and the East. Key contributions included clearing landmines, developing infrastructure, and facilitating the resettlement of displaced communities, while also improving living conditions through various social service initiatives such as housing construction projects.
Although their names may not always be individually recognised, the commanders and officers who actively contributed to these efforts deserve our utmost respect. Likewise, the other ranks and civil staff who supported these initiatives merit equal appreciation. Even today, the Army continues to carry out a significant mission, assisting in emergency response and essential social service activities. Above all, however, the Army’s foremost responsibility remains ensuring national security at the highest level, under all circumstances.
Q: What initiatives have you implemented to promote the professional development of the Army during your tenure as Commander?
A: Anyone who wears the Army uniform is a soldier, with ranks serving administrative purposes. The Sri Lanka Army is a professional force built on the leadership of past Commanders. My goal is to advance a “soldier-based” Army, focusing on improving soldiers’ professional knowledge, training, and welfare. Discipline, training, and dedication are key to creating professional soldiers. Mistakes by a few must not dishonour the entire Army, so strict disciplinary actions will be enforced regardless of rank. Future promotions will be granted only to well-disciplined and professionally skilled officers and soldiers to elevate overall standards and professionalism.
Q: How do you respond to allegations that some Army personnel have deserted and joined underworld groups?
A: Anyone who meets the qualifications can join the Army, but only those who complete training, perform duties with dedication, and face challenges can remain. Those unable to meet these demands may leave early, sometimes deserting the Army.
When these persons leave without direction or support, they can become vulnerable to underworld groups due to mental and social pressures.
However, they are not exceptional in any way, most only have basic training. Society often sensationalises them, but their crimes are cowardly, not heroic. It is disgraceful to harm innocent, unarmed people for personal gain.
A true soldier would never misuse the skills gained through sacrifice and discipline for criminal purposes. Soldiers earn the trust to wear the uniform and carry weapons to protect the nation and its people, not for selfish or illegal acts.
Q: The Army has now been given the significant responsibility of leading the ‘Clean Sri Lanka Program.’ What role has the Army played in ensuring the success of this initiative?
A: The Army is a specialised institution operating under unified leadership, composed of those with diverse skills representing all aspects of society. This unique composition allows the Army to make a significant and distinctive contribution to the success of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka Program.’
The Army actively supports various aspects of the program, from leading efforts to change public attitudes to developing infrastructure such as roads, housing schemes, and repairing reservoirs and tanks. We have already achieved much and planned to launch many more initiatives with continued Government support.
For example, the Army played a vital role in the school renovation project under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka Program.’ We remain committed to tirelessly fulfilling responsibilities entrusted to us by the President, the Deputy Minister of Defence, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, and the Government in this important national effort.
Q: How is the investigation progressing regarding the recent reports of missing weapons from the Army’s inventory?
A: A formal investigation is under way regarding the disappearance of the weapons under the direction of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha. This includes a thorough audit of all weapons held by the Army.
The audit is a complex process, requiring physical inspection of each weapon and verification against official records and ledgers. Because of this complexity, it takes significant time to complete. The Ministry of Defence will provide further updates once the investigation is finalised.
Q: What welfare programs has the Army implemented to support soldiers disabled as a result of the war?
A: The war resulted in the loss of nearly 23,540 Officers and other Rankers, with another 23,139 wounded. Many of those injured continue to receive care at various Ranaviru Wellness Centres run by the Army. We view it as an unshakable duty to support those who stood shoulder to shoulder with us on the battlefield, and this responsibility is managed in a structured and formal manner.
Special attention to these welfare efforts is given by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha who provide ongoing support and guidance.
To focus on the welfare of these differently-abled war heroes, the Directorate of Veteran Affairs was established as a dedicated institution. Various Ranaviru welfare programs are in place, including housing and land allocation with deeds, Virusara privilege cards, free train and passport services, job banks, and scholarships for children excelling in national examinations.
The Army also produces medical equipment and organises multiple clinics nationwide to address the health needs of disabled and retired war heroes, as well as families of the fallen. These clinics provide comprehensive medical care, from diagnosis to surgery, along with health advice and support. The Army Seva Vanitha Unit also plays a vital role in supporting the welfare of both fallen and differently-abled war heroes.
Ranaviru Welfare Sections have been set up in every camp island-wide, operating under the Commanding Officers, to promptly address issues such as salary discrepancies and healthcare concerns of fallen, retired, and differently-abled war heroes. This system ensures that veterans receive timely assistance without having to seek help elsewhere or fall prey to misleading influences.
Q: The Army is currently undergoing a reduction in troop numbers. Could this downsizing pose a risk to national security?
A: National security is a broad concept that encompasses various sectors such as defence, health, food, energy, foreign relations, and the economy. Regarding your specific question, the Army is undergoing a realistic right sizing process. During the war, the Army recruited large numbers to meet operational demands. However, the current and future security challenges require adjusting the force size accordingly.
This adjustment is being carried out systematically and effectively, incorporating modern technology and digitalisation to enhance the Army’s capabilities. Through this balanced approach, optimising troop numbers while strengthening operational capacity, we ensure that national security is never compromised.
Q: How do you respond to concerns that the removal of military camps in the North poses a threat to the country’s security?
A: The Government and the Army always prioritise national security and never make decisions that could compromise it. Regarding the removal of military camps in the North, we carefully assess the impact on security. In most cases, troops are not withdrawn entirely but are relocated to smaller camps within larger bases. Military presence at key security hotspots remains intact to ensure ongoing protection of the country.
Q: Has the rate of Army personnel leaving the service increased recently, or does it remain unchanged?
A: The primary reason for the increase in Army personnel leaving the service was the economic crisis Sri Lanka faced. During that time, Government employee salaries did not keep pace with rising inflation. However, the situation has improved recently with salary increases in the public sector, including for Army personnel. The Army has enhanced welfare facilities for its members. As a result, their economic conditions are improving, leading to a noticeable decline in the number of personnel leaving the Army.
Q: What message would you like to share with the people of the country?
A: The Army is an institution built on discipline and dedication, from training through to duty. While a small number who cannot adapt to this system may leave and become involved in social misconduct, they do not represent the entire Army. The Sri Lanka Army is your Army, your husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, daughters, and sons serve within it. Have full faith in the Army.
We remain ready to stand at the forefront in any emergency, natural disaster, or national need. As the nation’s defenders, your safety is our highest priority, and we carry this responsibility with great honour.
