The Sri Lankan government has announced its intentions to significantly reduce the size of the Sri Lanka Army, aiming to bring the number of army personnel down to approximately 100,000 by the year 2030. Currently, the sanctioned strength of the army exceeds 200,000 members, and the government seeks to halve this number as part of its strategic restructuring efforts.

Acting Defense Minister Pramitha Bandara Thennakoon affirmed this decision, emphasizing that it is guided by a principled approach to reshape the country's armed forces. To facilitate this transformation, the President has appointed a committee, led by a retired Major General, to conduct a comprehensive review of the matter and oversee its implementation.

Minister Thennakoon highlighted that the government's overarching vision is to not only reduce the army's size but also reposition it as a technical and tactical force. This transformation is aligned with broader efforts to modernize the nation's defense capabilities.

In addition to restructuring the army, there are plans to similarly reduce the personnel of the Navy and Air Force. Furthermore, Minister Thennakoon aims to significantly downsize the Civil Defense Force, which currently comprises approximately 33,000 individuals.

These strategic changes in the composition of Sri Lanka's armed forces are expected to enhance their efficiency, agility, and technological capabilities while ensuring the country's national security interests are met effectively. As the process unfolds, the government will work closely with military leadership and relevant stakeholders to achieve these objectives.