Following the introduction of leadership training programs in military camps for undergraduates, school students and principals, trainee graduates have been now identified as the most recent group to participate in a similar program, the Center for Graduates (CFG) claimed while expressing their concern over the move.  

According to  CFG Convener Dhammika Munasinghe, few hundred selected trainee graduates off the total of 16,000 recruited to the Economic Development Ministry last year, is due to partake in the initial phase of the two–week leadership training program scheduled to commence within a few weeks.

Munasinghe also expressed his concern about the program being extended to the rest of the 51,000 trainee graduates recruited to various fractions of the state sector last year on a temporary basis.

“The 51,000 trainee graduates were recruited to the state sector service six months ago and were promised their positions would be absorbed into the permanent cadre within six months. Although over a year and a month have lapsed since their recruitments, the government has not taken any steps to ensure the promise would be realized. Instead of implementing means to absorb these youth into the permanent cadre, what is the purpose behind scheduling a military training for them?” he questioned.  

Speaking further he said, “Education sector professionals have been constantly warned of the adverse repercussions that would follow as a result of the military-based leadership training programs carried out on youth and other officials of the education sector. It is now evident that the government’s attempt is to systematically militarize the entire country and the program due to be initiated on trainee graduates is another stepping stone in their eventual plan.” (LP)