Deputy Minister Reviews Progress on Facilitating Foreign Employment Opportunities for Retiring Naval Personnel

A follow up discussion to review progress on expanding foreign employment opportunities for retiring Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) personnel in the shipping and marine sector was held yesterday (22 Apr) at the Office of the Deputy Minister of Defence in Colombo.

The meeting was co-chaired by Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and Hon. Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, Mr. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku.

During the meeting, attention was focused on the progress made since the previous discussion, particularly with regard to establishing a structured mechanism to facilitate internationally recognized professional qualifications for retiring naval personnel. The Deputy Ministers reviewed steps taken to address existing gaps in certification requirements needed for entry into the global maritime industry.

The discussion further explored practical measures to streamline coordination among relevant stakeholders, including the Sri Lanka Navy, the Ministry of Defence, and maritime regulatory authorities, to ensure a better coordination. Emphasis was placed on expedite efforts to develop a sustainable framework that would enable retiring personnel to obtain internationally accepted competency certifications in line with global maritime standards.

The meeting was attended by the Commander of the Navy, the Director General of Merchant Shipping (DGMS) and the Additional Secretary (Civil Security and Development), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka Navy, and the Merchant Shipping Secretariat (MSS).