Deputy Minister of Defence Leads Follow Up Talks on Transition of Retiring Naval Personnel to Merchant Shipping

A high level follow up discussion was convened on 17 June at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation to assess progress on expanding foreign employment opportunities and streamlining the acquisition of Certificates of Competency (COC) for retiring Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) personnel seeking careers in the merchant shipping and marine sector.

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

This initiative is designed to empower retiring and retired military personnel by offering structured pathways in skills development, professional certification, and sustainable livelihood generation. By harnessing the discipline, technical expertise, and vast experience of naval personnel, the program aims to equip them with internationally recognized credentials, significantly enhancing their employability and facilitating a smooth transition into merchant shipping careers.

Central to the discussions was the creation of clear, accessible pathways for Sri Lanka Navy members to obtain globally acknowledged maritime qualifications upon the completion of their military service. These qualifications will open doors to diverse employment opportunities within the commercial maritime industry, both locally and internationally.

The dialogue also examined the way forward for officers and other ranks throughout the transition process. Key areas of focus included a comprehensive gap analysis to identify shortfalls, strategies to bridge those gaps, and the validation of existing naval qualifications. Special attention was given to expanding opportunities for ratings in the seaman, engineering, electrical, and catering branches, ensuring that expertise across all domains is recognized and leveraged.

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