Army in new role

The Sri Lanka’s Army is creditably transforming itself from a battle hardened force which spearheaded the war against terrorism to a more down to earth entity engaging in various fields of activity that have even won it public plaudits such as its recent intervention to sell vegetables to the public at cheaper prices. There is also scope for the military now out of combat action to be involved in more productive ventures that would contribute to the larger economic picture.

One should not forget that Army is made up of personnel with diverse talents and skills. Their combat prowess is only one of these attributes. Many of these soldiers are gifted in various areas and fields and had they opted to give rein to their inborn talents instead of joining the Army they could well have done extremely well financially for themselves.

But the call to duty and above all the love for the Motherland drove them to change course and avail of their services to the Army laying their life on the line. Among the hundreds of servicemen killed in action there may well be geniuses who would have gone onto make a huge success of their lives, had a comfortable existence had they not paid heed to the clarion call of their conscience to serve the country. The nation owes debt of gratitude to these fallen heroes.

Now that the war is over it is time the Government made use of the special attributes of our Forces. In fact their aptitudes are coming to the fore in many ways and this is seen in their involvement in many projects particularly in the area of post war reconstruction. Their involvement in the flood relief program and in the recent intervention to provide commodities at cheap prices to the public is also to be greatly appreciated. Further the involvement of the Army in many development projects and community programs have also saved the Government massive funds in expenditure not to mention the high quality of their performance.

In the main story of our weekend paper the Sunday Observer Army Commander Lt General Jagath Jayasuriya is quoted as saying that the Sri Lanka Army has helped the Government to save over Rs three billion by undertaking various development projects, contributing its expertise to develop the country in the post conflict era. It has helped the Government save over Rs one billion in demining and Rs 56 million by renovating houses, the Army Commander said adding that if this work had been given to the private sector the Government would have incurred massive expenditure.

Armies the world over were put into service in various fields and projects in the immediate aftermath of the major wars until their subsequent demobilization. Some of the famous bridges and other constructions were built with the military labour has stood the test of time. Our Army too has already shown that it is prepared to lend a hand in the development sphere by being assiduously involved in many areas outside its calling. Besides by nature the Army can’t remain idle and the Government has to think in terms of finding an outlet for their talents and special aptitudes.

It is therefore time that the Government considers involving the Army in the wider scope of things that would not only keep it fruitfully occupied in this era of peace but also bring added benefits to the economy by cutting costs on expensive undertakings through proper use of military labour.

It would be ideal if the skills and expertise of the many servicemen that have been dormant during the combat years to be identified and harnessed at this crucial stage in the country’s post war development drive, so that development goals could be achieved that much faster. With the discipline and regimentation acquired after long years in the combat service there is no doubt that they will be up to the task and ensure projects under their watch proceed smoothly sans any snags. Deployment of military personnel in major undertakings would also ensure corruption is eliminated and thus ensuring massive savings for the Government.

The Army should also be co-opted into other ventures outside the construction and agriculture projects. Within their fold there may be many a soldier with trade business acumen who could be deployed in Government Institutions and Departments to increase efficiency and ensure discipline. Today the entire edifice of the public sector is racked with indiscipline and laziness. The ideal remedy would be to appoint suitable service personnel to positions of responsibility to get the wheels of administration moving.

This no doubt would be met with stiff resistance by those entrenched in positions of power and influence. But the Government should think seriously of reviving our sleepy administration if we are to achieve our development targets and should not flinch from appointing persons with a military background as a last resort to inject new life and vigour to a State sector.