A proposal to provide military training to all persons over the age of 18 will be tabled in Parliament, said the Minister of Public Security, Sarath Weerasekera.

He said the proposal was aimed at creating a disciplined and law abiding society.

He further said that some countries in the world have achieved great results by implementing such proposals.

The statement, however, has evoked mixed reactions from many quarters. Especially the opposition and prominent civil society groups have criticized the move saying it will lead to further militarization of society.

Informed government sources said the proposal might not elicit a positive reaction from a number of government members.