The Impact of Army Soldiers Becoming Disabled During the Ethnic Conflict on the Spousal Role within the Family Unit

Abstract

During the brutal terrorism that spanned three decades in Sri Lanka, many youths who fought in the war sacrificed their lives, while many others became disabled. The disability of these soldiers became a major issue not only for them personally but also for their family units. This study was conducted under the title: "The Impact of Soldiers Becoming Disabled in War on Their Spousal Role." Accordingly, the primary objective was to study the impact of the soldiers' disability on their family life. Secondary objectives included examining the support provided by rehabilitation centers to the families of disabled soldiers and studying the psychological state of the disabled soldiers.

Based on these objectives, the research was conducted using the survey method, employing techniques such as questionnaires, interviews, and telephone conversations. The "Ranaviru Sevana" Rehabilitation Center in Ragama, located in the Gampaha District, was selected for this study. Since the total population of disabled soldiers there was approximately 100, a sample of 35 married disabled soldiers was selected using the random sampling method. Furthermore, necessary data for the research was obtained through interviews and telephone conversations conducted with the wives of 15 married soldiers.

These observations revealed that numerous issues exist within the spousal role of married disabled soldiers in the rehabilitation center. It was further revealed that problematic situations exist within their family backgrounds regarding aspects such as economy, security, sexuality, health, education, and the maintenance of social relationships. Upon examining the results of the questionnaires and interviews, approximately 95% of the respondents held the view that their disability had impacted their spousal role. Data obtained from their wives also confirmed that the soldiers' disability has an impact on their family lives.