Veterans Building Futures Through Warriorpreneurship
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), co-chaired a progress review meeting on the ongoing “Pride of Warriorpreneurship” programme with Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe at the Deputy Minister of Defence’s Office in Colombo on June 15.
The meeting reviewed progress achieved under the initiative, which is designed to support retiring and retired Tri Forces personnel in transitioning to entrepreneurship and self-employment. Discussions focused on the pilot phase of the Warriorpreneurship programme, which has already been successfully conducted in the Galle District, with plans now underway to expand the initiative to the Kalutara and Matara districts.
A key area of discussion was the introduction of a Train the Trainers (ToT) programme on entrepreneurship aimed at building institutional capacity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative. Participants also examined the future direction of the Warriorpreneurship programme with a focus on expanding its impact across multiple regions.
The meeting further discussed establishing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, together with the development of a clear funding mechanism to support programme implementation. To strengthen coordination and oversight, it was agreed to establish a joint coordinating cell responsible for programme operations, progress monitoring, and inter-ministerial collaboration.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara emphasized the importance of harnessing the leadership, discipline, and professional expertise of former service personnel by integrating them into Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He noted that empowering veterans through entrepreneurship would not only enhance their livelihoods but also contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe outlined the support being extended by the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development for the successful implementation of the initiative. He highlighted the facilitative measures available through the ministry, ongoing assistance provided to strengthen the programme, and the legal and institutional frameworks that could further expand entrepreneurial opportunities for retiring and retired military personnel.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and senior officials from both ministries were also present at the meeting.
The Warriorpreneurship initiative reflects a broader national effort to transform military experience into economic opportunity, enabling veterans to continue serving the country through innovation, enterprise, and community development. As the programme expands to new districts, it aims to create sustainable pathways for former service personnel to build successful futures beyond their years of active service.
