A two-day workshop aimed at training 150 selected members from the tri-forces and Police for the successful implementation of the Clean Sri Lanka programme was held last week at the Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Panagoda.
In his welcome address, Ministry of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha highlighted the Clean Sri Lanka programme’s goal of advancing sustainability in governance, social welfare, environmental protection, and economic development.
He emphasised that the initiative, which involved the local community, public and private institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and international bodies, was being implemented nationwide with considerable success.
The workshop was designed to equip selected trainers from the tri-forces and Police with the skills necessary to mobilise the community and achieve sustainable development goals under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.
Military engagement
Meanwhile, Defence Ministry Media Director and Spokesperson Colonel M.B.B. Nalin Herath provided further insights into the programme’s implementation, noting that while retired military personnel would eventually join the Clean Sri Lanka programme, the majority of work would be carried out by active service members.
When asked about the formal relationship between the ministry and the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force, Col. Herath clarified that although no formal agreement existed, military resources had been mobilised for the programme due to the President’s dual role as Defence Minister.
According to Col. Herath, the military has already been actively engaged in cleaning initiatives across various locations. These efforts will now be expanded, with a particular focus on supporting the education sector by renovating 400 schools, which commenced on Thursday (20).
When questioned about the area this was based on, he said a detailed report was being prepared and that more information would be provided once it was completed, highlighting that it was an islandwide project.
Col. Herath further stated that the initiative would be launched with zero budget, as the military aimed to assist by renovating and repairing existing resources.
“For instance, if there is old furniture that can be reused, we will apply our technical skills to repair and restore it. In this manner, we can support the needs of these schools without requiring additional funding,” he explained.
The military will provide labour and expertise, ensuring that no extra financial allocations or material resources are needed.
Retired military personnel to join efforts
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara told The Sunday Morning that plans were underway to integrate retired military personnel into the initiative. While these personnel are yet to be formally contacted, he anticipates reaching out to them by mid- to late March through the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) and other veteran organisations.
He highlighted that these retired officers possessed valuable expertise in engineering, logistics, transportation, administration, leadership, environmental management, and coastal preservation. Their involvement will be either voluntary or contractual, depending on the needs of specific projects.
District secretariats will coordinate with these personnel to ensure that their skills are effectively utilised in community-driven initiatives.
Commenting on the nature of their participation, Jayasekara emphasised that this initiative was not a re-employment programme. Instead, retired personnel will contribute on a voluntary basis or adopt contract-based roles where necessary, providing leadership and organisational support in various projects.
Reforestation and infrastructure development
The Clean Sri Lanka programme is not limited to surface-level clean-up operations. Military involvement will extend to other areas such as reforestation and infrastructure development. “Based on sustainable development goals, we will engage in initiatives like reforestation and assisting the Ministry of Environment,” Col. Herath stated.
Deputy Minister Jayasekara revealed that the Sri Lanka Air Force had already been conducting drone reconnaissance missions to identify deforested areas while working closely with law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Agriculture to plan replanting efforts.
Meanwhile, military engineers have commenced restoring collapsed paddy storage facilities, a project initially launched under the theme of food security.
When asked about expanding into environmental initiatives, Col. Herath emphasised that their efforts aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Within this framework, we will engage in various activities such as reforestation and supporting the Ministry of Environment. We will essentially take on any initiative we are capable of assisting with,” he said.
He further noted that the military had previously contributed to paddy storage facility construction and renovation under the broader theme of food security.
Training of Trainers programme
Commenting on the Training of Trainers programme, Jayasekara said: “We initiated a Training of Trainers programme on Tuesday (18) at the Panagoda camp, which is our main Army base. Around 150 Army personnel, including officers and other ranks, each possessing diverse talents, capacities, and skills, participated in the programme.”
“The aim is to raise awareness about the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, its objectives, and the broader social responsibility during times of crisis. This includes promoting anti-corruption efforts, attitudinal development, motivation, and civic responsibility from childhood to senior citizenship.
“This marks the beginning of the initiative. From here, we will expand it to other programmes. Some initiatives have already begun, such as environmental clean-ups and ensuring cleanliness within Government office compounds,” he stated.
Additionally, efforts are underway to clear rubble, remove abandoned vehicles and furniture, and reconstruct collapsed paddy storage facilities. Jayasekara added that while this particular project was not directly a part of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, it aligned with broader national development goals.