A sociological study of the use of vocational training skills of retired soldiers in the post-war development and reconstruction in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Security forces can be described as a workforce that goes beyond the role of ensuring national security and contributes to the development and reconstruction process of the country. They are equipped with a variety of vocational training courses to satisfy the needs of the army. The main purpose of this study was to examine how such professional knowledge and skills can contribute to the development of the country and the current application of the vocational training skills they have mastered in the army to develop and rebuild the country effectively. The conceptual framework was developed according to qualitative research methodology, and data obtained from case studies and interviews are analyzed by using thematic analysis. Factors influencing early retirement include a lack of understanding of benefits, delays in promotions and training opportunities and not having enough time to spend with family. They do not have a satisfactory attitude towards the retirement guidance they received from the army. In this sense the majority of people are employed in temporary jobs and some are successful in post-retirement life. It is also evident that the social status and prestige gained in society while serving as a war hero have deteriorated. Although the government implements programs, they are not aware of them. Barriers to the utilization of training include a lack of a system to identify the professional skills of retired soldiers, a lack of exploration of opportunities in the civil and private sectors and politicization of services. The findings of the study further show that entrepreneurship training for all retired soldiers, streamlining existing mechanisms, creating new mechanisms and setting up a separate unit for retirees and adapting them to civil society, private and non- governmental contributions, and training courses can be identified as potential means to improve the current situation.