SLA seeks Jaffna recruits

[TamilNet, Monday, 03 May 1999, 21:00 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army called on the youth of Jaffna to join its ranks today. The SLA advertised in today's issue of Jaffna's only daily news paper, the Uthayan for eligible youth who have passed grade eight in schools and who measure not less than 5 foot 2 inches.

The remuneration offered by the SLA to the eighth grade qualified recruits is more than what the government pays a teacher with a university degree.

The SLA attempted to recruit Tamil youth in the east last year to meet its acute manpower shortages. The effort yielded no recruits according to Tamil paramilitary groups operating with the SLA in Batticaloa.

This is the first time the army has sought recruits in Jaffna. Recruiters were ready for walk in interviews from today at recruitment centres in the SLA camps at Ariyaalai and Chavakachcheri. Sources said that no one had turned up today.

The Tamil language advertisement placed by the Jaffna Sri Lankan security forces headquarters in the Uthayan today says:

"To meet our current needs, we welcome you too Warrior son!

Vacancies for soldiers in SLA's regular forces.

Basic requirements; between 18 and 28, Hight 5' 2', unmarried, Sri Lankan citizen, should have passed at least grade eight (year nine), certificates, the original copy of the birth certificate, school leaving certificates, attestation from village officer, letters of introduction from two government officials (obtained not earlier than six months), reliable national identity card, passport or driving license.

Starting salary 4080 rupees; unmarried soldier serving in war area additional allowance of 3470 rupees. married persons will get additional 5120 rupees.

In non war zones allowance is 1090 rupees for unmarried and for married 2740 rupees additional allowance.

Free medical, transport etc.

Interviews will be held at the SLA camps in Ariyaalai and Chavakachcheri from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 3 1999 to May 22 1999 SLA - Younger generation - New World."

Advertisement placed by the Jaffna Sri Lankan security forces headquarters in the Uthayan today.