Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nov. 2 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
A discussion on developing a structured programme to facilitate National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) for officers and other ranks retiring from the Tri Services, enabling them to pursue successful second careers, was held on 29 October at the Office of the Deputy Minister of Defence, under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.).
The discussion highlighted the importance of identifying the professional and financial challenges faced by Tri Forces personnel after retirement and providing them with recognised vocational training to access employment opportunities offering stable incomes. Particular attention was given to expanding opportunities for personnel who served in non technical fields to obtain recognised vocational qualifications.
It was noted that NVQ Level 4 provides educational and vocational recognition equivalent to the G.C.E. Ordinary Level standard. Accordingly, the possibility of facilitating retired Tri Forces personnel to access both local and overseas employment markets through structured training and certification was discussed. Proposals were also put forward to integrate existing training programmes conducted by the Tri Services with courses available at the Ranaviru Resource Centre and upgrade them in line with modern vocational standards.
The proposed programme will focus on providing vocational training in a range of fields aligned with emerging employment opportunities, particularly in the international and maritime sectors. These include automotive technology specialising in Electric Vehicles (EVs), hotel management, pastry and bakery production, cosmetology, preschool teacher training, mechatronics, electronics, robotics, caregiving, firefighting, agriculture and etc.
Furthermore, the discussion focused on establishing a mechanism to recognise the practical knowledge and professional experience acquired by Tri Forces personnel during their service through the award of NVQ or diploma level certifications. Measures to enhance professional standards among retired service personnel engaged in the private security sector were also discussed.
Attention was also given to implementing vocational training programmes for Tri Forces personnel approaching retirement by utilising the network of district centres operated by the Vocational Training Authority (VTA). The formulation of an action plan, including arrangements for securing the necessary financial allocations, was also considered. The initiative aims to create new opportunities for retired Tri Forces personnel to pursue second careers while safeguarding their dignity and professional recognition.
The Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence, the Director General of the Vocational Training Authority, the Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence, the Directors General of Training of the Tri Services, the Director General of Veterans' Affairs and Rehabilitation of the Sri Lanka Army, along with several senior Tri Services officers and government officials, attended the discussion.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
