Army to recruit 100 Tamil girls to Women’s Corps

Ridma Dissanayake

The Army yesterday announced it will recruit a batch of young Tamil females to the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force. Once recriuited they will be assigned to serve in the sixth Battalion of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps.

According to Military Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya the Army is to recruit 100 Tamil girls from Kilinochchci and Mullaitivu districts. “This is not the first time Tamils are recruiting to the Sri Lanka Army. But this is the first time we are recruiting such a huge batch of Tamil girls to the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps. A ceremony marking the recruitment is scheduled for tomorrow at Bharathipuram, Killinochchi, the Brigadier said.

“All girls have completed basic physical and educational qualifications essential to enter the Women’s Corps and arrangements have been made to grant military training to the new recruits in Kilinochchi.

They will be assigned to serve in the Army Women’s Corps under the sixth Battalion, ”he added.

“After initial military training, the girls will be assigned for duties in Killinochchi and Mullaitivu districts and it is hoped that they will facilitate the ongoing military civil cooperation activities in the areas,” the Brigadier said.

“There are no barriers for Tamils to enroll in the Sri Lanka Army. Any Sri Lankan can apply to any post in the Army with the relevant qualifications. The Army will recruit many more Tamils according to their requirements,” Brig Wanigasooriya said.

The formal handing over of the girls to the Army by their parents will take place according to customs and traditions.