20th February 2025 21:52:48 Hours
The 14 CBRNE Response Regiment, under the guidance of the Sri Lanka Army Engineer Division, recently organized a training day on 19 February 2025 focused on "Balancing Personal and Professional Life as a Military Member in the Current Social and Economic Situation." The session, led by Lieutenant Colonel UG Mallawarachchi RWP USP as the guest lecturer, addressed the challenges military personnel face, such as long duty hours, high-stress environments, and unpredictable schedules. Lieutenant Colonel Mallawarachchi highlighted the importance of mental health, emotional well-being, and skills like time management, while stressing the significance of strong family and social support systems, as well as a healthy lifestyle to manage stress and succeed both professionally and personally.
Following this, the Diners Club Programme further explored the topic of 'Work-life balance for military officers through a psychological lens'. Distinguished speakers Dr. Kavinda De Silva and Ms. Danushi Perera discussed the impact of prolonged stress on decision-making, emotional stability, and health. Dr. De Silva shared strategies like mindfulness and cognitive restructuring to manage stress, while Ms. Perera emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships, time management, and boundary-setting to ensure mental and emotional well-being.
Together, these sessions highlighted key insights for military personnel, including recognizing stress triggers, adopting coping mechanisms, engaging in healthy relationships, and managing time effectively to prevent burnout. The importance of open communication, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and fostering mental resilience were stressed as essential for both personal and professional success. These initiatives reflect the Sri Lanka Army’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its personnel, fostering a psychologically strong force capable of excelling both in service and in life beyond duty.
