More than four thousand deserters arrested;Defence Ministry

More than four thousand tri forces deserters have been arrested as authorities are continuing to take action against armed forces personnel who are considered as Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL), Defence ministry said.

According to Military Spokesman Brigadier Roshan Seneviratne, since the last General Amnesty ending at midnight of December31, seven officers and 4074 other rank deserters have been taken into custody. Those arrested include 7 officers and 3241 other ranks of the Army, 765 Navy and 68 Air Force personnel. Military Police together with the Police Department are continuing with their operations to arrest deserters and take legal action against them.

The Ministry of Defence had declared two General Amnesty periods during last year, to facilitate tri forces personnel who are considered as AWOL to obtain legal discharge. During the last General Amnesty period that ended on 31st (December 2016) 34 officers and 8843 other ranks reported to their respective services seeking legal discharge.