Colombo:A significant discussion aimed at creating a structured programme for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) to assist retiring Tri Services officers and personnel was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) on 29 October. The meeting, held at the Office of the Deputy Minister of Defence, focused on enabling these individuals to transition into successful second careers.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the discussion underscored the need to address professional and financial challenges faced by retired Tri Forces personnel, emphasizing the importance of providing vocational training that offers stable employment opportunities. Special consideration was given to expanding vocational qualification opportunities for those who served in non-technical fields.
The meeting noted that NVQ Level 4 equates to the G.C.E. Ordinary Level standard in terms of educational and vocational recognition. This equivalency opens doors for retired personnel to engage in both local and international job markets through structured training and certification programs. Proposals were also made to integrate existing Tri Services training programs with courses at the Ranaviru Resource Centre, aligning them with contemporary vocational standards.
The proposed programme aims to offer vocational training in diverse fields, including automotive technology with a focus on Electric Vehicles (EVs), hotel management, pastry and bakery, cosmetology, preschool teacher training, mechatronics, electronics, robotics, caregiving, firefighting, and agriculture. These fields are aligned with emerging job opportunities, particularly in the international and maritime sectors.
Additionally, the discussion emphasized the establishment of a mechanism to formally recognize the practical skills and professional experience gained by Tri Forces personnel during their service. This recognition would be through the award of NVQ or diploma level certifications. Measures to raise the professional standards of retired personnel working in the private security sector were also considered.
Plans were discussed to implement vocational training programs for those nearing retirement, utilizing the Vocational Training Authority’s (VTA) network of district centers. An action plan, along with financial arrangements, was also deliberated upon to ensure the initiative’s success. The goal is to create new career opportunities for retired Tri Forces personnel while maintaining their dignity and professional status.
The discussion was attended by key officials, including the Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence, the Director General of the Vocational Training Authority, the Military Liaison Officer, Directors General of Training from the Tri Services, the Director General of Veterans’ Affairs and Rehabilitation of the Sri Lanka Army, and several senior Tri Services officers and government officials.