Tamil females join Army

Monday, 19 November 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Army on Saturday enlisted hundred and nine female Tamil soldiers into the 6th Women’s Corps ceremonially from Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu districts with the participation of their beloved family members. The ceremony was held at Army training school Barathipuram Kilinochchi.

The occasion was graced by the Security Forces Commander Mullaithivu Major General Udaya Perera as the chief guest and the parents of the Tamil female recruits were given a certificate as a symbolic gesture at the ceremony.

Under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Secretary of Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed the recruitment. Among the applicants those who have fulfilled the mandatory qualifications were recruited according to the regular recruitment criteria. On completion of the induction and orientation into the service, recently recruited batch will be deployed in war affected developing areas for peace building and reconciliation processes.

Their involvement in the service would be a great opportunity and an added strength to diminish the language barrier and to extend the supportive hands much closely in civil affairs.

In the governments spearheading effort on reconciliation and development, the enlistment not only be a constructive solution for youth unemployment, but will also ensures the welfare of the dependant families. Opening the eyes of the international communities, the event itself undoubtedly shows the reconciliation efforts taken by the government. This notable event also marked a historical juncture in the Sri Lanka Army history of recruitment.

Kilinochchi security forces headquarters officials carried out an extensive recruitment drive and hundred and nine were chosen in the initial step among the Tamil females eagerly competed in the enlistment formalities.

Religious dignitaries, Divisional Secretary Kilinochchi, Senior Security Forces and Police officials, state officials, SLFP Organizer of Kilinochchi, parents and their relations were present at the event.