The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly reduce the size of the Sri Lanka Army by half within the next seven years. Currently, the sanctioned personnel of the Army stands at over two lakhs, and this initiative aims to streamline and modernize the armed forces.

Acting Defense Minister Pramita Bandara Tennakoon disclosed this policy decision, stating that the government is committed to reducing the number of army personnel to approximately 100,000 by the year 2030. This substantial reduction is part of a broader strategy to transition the army into a more technical and tactical force, aligning with modern military trends and operational requirements.

In addition to the reduction in troop size, Minister Tennakoon revealed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee headed by a retired Major General to conduct a comprehensive review of the army's structure and capabilities. This committee is tasked with developing a blueprint for the transformation of the Sri Lanka Army to meet the nation's security needs effectively.

The government's vision for the armed forces extends beyond the army alone. Minister Tennakoon indicated that similar efforts to rationalize and optimize the number of personnel are planned for the Navy and Air Force as well. These strategic changes are part of a broader initiative to ensure the country's military remains efficient, adaptable, and well-equipped to address emerging security challenges.