Need to systematically integrate former soldiers into society

Nearly 16 years have passed since the guns fell silent and ended the brutal civil war. At its peak, the military was at its largest, a force built for war and survival. Today, in a time of peace, the country continues to grapple with what to do with this oversized army. Reductions have been made, but not as the outcome of a systematic demobilisation strategy. Instead, soldiers have been quietly released into society with little preparation and fewer opportunities. The consequences of this neglect are now visible.

Demobilisation is not just a military exercise but a social responsibility. A country that asks its young men and women to fight in its name must also ensure that they are cared for when the fighting stops. In Sri Lanka’s case, this has not happened in a structured or meaningful way. Former soldiers, many of them trained in combat and survival but not equipped with marketable civilian skills, are being left to fend for themselves in an economy already struggling to provide jobs. For some, this means frustration, social alienation, and a dangerous turn towards criminality.

One of the most alarming consequences is the growing sophistication of the underworld. Former soldiers, trained in discipline, strategy, and weapon handling, bring with them skills that criminal organisations readily exploit. For men who once lived in high-risk environments and were accustomed to violence, the transition to crime can appear not only natural but profitable. The result is an underworld that is more organised, more ruthless, and far harder to dismantle than in the past.

A second, though less visible, manifestation is the steady flow of Sri Lankan ex-soldiers into foreign conflicts as mercenaries. Reports confirm that hundreds have fought, and dozens have died in the Russia–Ukraine war. These are only the cases that have been publicly documented. It is entirely plausible that many more are engaged in conflicts across other theatres of war.

What is missing, and urgently needed, is a smart, humane policy of demobilisation. This means more than simply reducing the payroll of the military. It requires a comprehensive program that helps former soldiers transition into meaningful civilian roles. Education and retraining must be at the heart of such a policy. Skills in engineering, logistics, healthcare, and technology are already latent within the armed forces. With the right investment, these could be redirected to civilian industries, strengthening the economy while also giving veterans purpose and dignity.

Other nations that have emerged from conflict provide lessons worth studying. From vocational training programs in post-apartheid South Africa to veteran reintegration schemes in Europe after the Second World War, history shows that countries that treat their soldiers as long-term assets rather than expendable resources are stronger and more stable. Sri Lanka, too, can choose this path, but only if there is foresight.

Neglecting this crucial reform risks sowing seeds of resentment, instability, and crime. On the other hand, a society that honours their service by providing them a dignified return to civilian life gains not only peace but also a valuable workforce ready to contribute to national progress.

The civil war may have ended in 2009, but the battle for sustainable peace is ongoing. Integrating former soldiers into society is not an optional gesture of gratitude but a necessity for stability, security, and development. The Government must act now, before more veterans drift into the shadows of crime or foreign battlefields.